Tips for Helping Your Favorite Senior Stay in Great Health

Medical Equipment You'll Need If You've Been Diagnosed With Craniocervical Instability

3 January 2018 by Florence Morrison

Craniocervical instability is a condition that can cause debilitating neurological problems throughout the body and typically occurs in people who have connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Craniocervical instability, which can also be called occipitoatlantialaxial hypermobility, is the instability of the junction of the head and neck. This results in deformation of vital parts of the central nervous system: the cerebellum, brainstem, and the upper portion of the spinal cord. 

The most troubling symptoms of craniocervical instability can make it difficult for a patient with this condition to be mobile, such as rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure when standing, impaired coordination, loss of body awareness, partial or full paralysis, dizziness and vertigo, fainting, and non-epileptic seizures. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with craniocervical instability, you will need the following medical equipment. 

Service dog for seizure assistance

Service dogs are considered as medical equipment, particularly when they provide a medically-necessary service, such as alerting for an oncoming seizure and providing cushioning during seizure activity. Your service dog should also be trained when to determine that you are having dizziness and vertigo, as well as what to do should you faint and when your blood pressure drops when you stand up. 

Medical equipment to immobilize the neck 

Treatment for this condition is done by fusing the upper vertebrae in the neck to the skull with rigid hardware to hold the junction in place. However, it's important to note that surgery is not a cure, but it does slow the progression of this progressive condition. After the intensive surgery, you will need to immobilize your neck in a neck brace, a halo vest, or a custom-made minerva orthotic device until you have had a chance to heal and the bone has had a chance to fuse to the hardware. Your surgeon will tell you which device(s) you need to wear and when to wear them. 

Mobility aids for safety 

Mobility aids are important for safety and should be used before surgery and during the recovery phase when your neck is immobilized. Since symptoms prior to surgery can range widely, it's a good idea to have various types of mobility aids for assistance, such as a cane, a walker, and a wheelchair. You'll also need bath safety equipment. This equipment should also be used during your recovery phase so you don't risk falling, injuring your neck, and damaging the newly-installed fusion hardware. 

Contact a company, like Lincoln Mobility, for more help.

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