The specialized spine doctors at UT Southwestern Spine Center are dedicated to helping patients overcome spine problems, providing comprehensive care and access to the latest and most effective treatments.
Basilar Invagination, Basilar Impression, and Cranial Settling
New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300
The expert team of doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center specializes in treating basilar invagination, basilar impression, and cranial settling. At the Spine Center, we offer thorough diagnostic evaluations and both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.
Expert Treatment for Complex Spine Conditions
Although their names are often used interchangeably, basilar invagination, basilar impression, and cranial settling are different but similar conditions. All three of these complex conditions involve the area where the skull meets the top of the spine, and all can cause compression of the spinal cord.
- Basilar impression occurs when parts of the cervical (neck) vertebrae enter the hole in the skull base (foramen magnum).
- Basilar invagination is the same problem, except that it’s caused by softening in the bones at the skull base.
- Cranial settling occurs when the bone at the top of the neck on which the skull rotates (dens) extends into the foramen magnum.
The conditions can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired) due to conditions that include rheumatoid arthritis and Paget’s disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of these spinal conditions vary in severity and can include:
- Head and neck pain
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Trouble swallowing
- Numbness
Diagnosis
If we suspect that a patient has basilar invagination, basilar impression, or cranial settling, we’ll conduct a physical examination and order additional testing. Tests, procedures, and imaging studies used to diagnose these conditions can include:
- Bone scans
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Myelography
- Nerve conduction studies to measure electrical activity generated by muscles and nerves
- X-rays
Treatment
After diagnosis, we make sure a patient see the right experts to treat his or her specific symptoms. Treatments can include:
- Anti-inflammation drugs
- Biofeedback
- Cortisone injections
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
Our goal is to partner with our patients in their care, get them back to health as soon as possible, and help them achieve the best outcomes.
Clinical Trials
As an academic medical center, we’re at the forefront of spine research. Our patients have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials aimed at improving the treatment of spinal conditions such as basilar invagination, basilar impression, and cranial settling. Talk with our doctors to see if a clinical trial is available.
Related Conditions and Treatments
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Related Clinics
Showing 4 locations
Spine Center
at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Richardson/Plano 3030 Waterview Parkway, 1st FloorRichardson, Texas 75080 972-669-7101 Directions
Spine Center
at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Las Colinas West 6121 N. Highway 161, 3rd Floor, Suite 300Irving, Texas 75038 469-647-4700 Directions
Spine Center
at James W. Aston Ambulatory Care Center 5303 Harry Hines Blvd., 6th Floor, Suite 108Dallas, Texas 75390 214-645-2225 Directions Parking Info
Spine Center
at UT Southwestern Frisco 12500 Dallas Parkway, 3rd FloorFrisco, Texas 75033 469-604-9000 Directions Parking Info