CLINICAL FEATURES, DIAGNOSTIC APPROACHES, AND CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT OF KIMMERLE ANOMALY IN NEUROLOGICAL PRACTICE
TL;DR
Conservative therapy consisting of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamin complexes, physical therapy, and massage proved effective in symptom control and achievement of long-term remission of Kimmerle anomaly.
Abstract
Abstract. Kimmerle anomaly (KA) is one of the most common osseous anomalies of the craniovertebral junction and may lead to vertebrobasilar insufficiency and neurovascular complications. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of KA in a neurological hospital, to identify the main clinical syndromes, and to substantiate rational conservative treatment approaches. The study included a screening examination of 8,436 patients hospitalized in a neurological clinic over a six-year period, using clinical neurological assessment, radiography, CT, MRI, and ultrasound of cerebral and cervical vessels. KA was identified in 68 patients aged 18–67 years. Three major clinical syndromes were distinguished: pain syndrome, vascular insufficiency syndrome, and autonomic dysfunction syndrome, as well as three degrees of disease severity. Conservative therapy consisting of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, vitamin complexes, physical therapy, and massage proved effective in symptom control and achievement of long-term remission. The findings support the effectiveness of pathogenetically oriented conservative management of KA, particularly in early and moderate stages of the disease.