Children with Down syndrome are at increased risk of developing compression of the spinal cord called atlantoaxial instability. This problem is caused by a combination of low tone, loose ligaments and bony changes. The spinal cord can be pressed by the bones and cause nerve damage. Symptoms of nerve damage can occur at any time and there is no test or x-ray that can tell who is at risk.
Parents should watch their child for any changes in how they walk, use their arms or hands, a head tilt, complaints of pain in the neck, or change in bowel or bladder function, change in general function or new onset weakness.
Contact physician immediately for an x-ray of the neck in neutral position if your child has:
Change in how he or she walks
Change in how he or she uses arms/hands
Change in bowel or bladder control
Head stays tilted
Neck Pain
New onset weakness
Decreased activity level or function
If the x-ray is abnormal or symptoms persist, the child should be referred as soon as possible to a pediatric neurosurgeon or pediatric orthopedic surgeon experienced in managing atlantoaxial instability.
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