Atlantoaxial instability sounds like a long and complex condition. And for most teachers of Down Syndrome kids, it is something that just never comes up. After all, if there was anything we needed to know about that could affect our students with Down Syndrome, someone would have told us. Wouldn't they? But often teachers of Down Syndrome kids don't know about atlantoaxial instability. So what is it? Why is it important?
Atlantoaxial instability is a condition which is rare and occurs sometimes in Down Syndrome kids. It involves the top two vertebrae in the neck (the cervical vertebrae). These two are called the atlas and the axis - hence the name. The condition affects the joint in between these two vertebrae. In a child with atlantoaxial instability, the joint shifts and puts pressure on the delicate spinal cord which lies within the vertebrae. It can be detected with an X ray.
There is some discussion and disagreement in the medical world about who, when and how often X Rays should be done to detect atlantoaxial instability. In a child with Down Syndrome, there will usually be a key medical contact (such as the family doctor) who is a good starting point for discussions about atlantoaxial instability.
To learn more about Down Syndrome, read this article by the same author.
