J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1997 Dec;26(12):1739-1742.

Fracture of the OccipitalvCondyle Associated with Lower Cranial Nerve Palsy

• Lee KS
• Choi SJ
• Kye DK
• Park CK
• Lee SW
• Kang JK

Abstract

We describe the case of a 59-year-old man whose occipital condyle was fractured in a traffic accident, resulting in severe neck pain and blurred vision. Neurological examination revealed palsy of the right side sixth cranial and ipsilateral lower cranial nerve. In fracture of the occipital condyle, persistent neck pain and lower cranial nerve palsy may be common clinical features. Conventional plain radiography may often be inadequate for the detection and evaluation of this lesion, and high-resolution CT and coronal reconstruction is the diagnostic modality of choice. The patient was treated conservatively using a Philadelphia collar, and this led to excellent clinical improvement. To demonstrate this rare form of traumatic lesion in patients with sustained post-traumatic neck pain and lower cranial nerve palsy, the authors recommend CT of the craniocervical junction.

Keyword

High-resolution CT; Lower cranial nerve palsy; Occipital condyle; Fracture

MeSH Terms

Accidents, Traffic
Cranial Nerve Diseases*
Cranial Nerves*
Humans
Middle Aged
Neck Pain
Neurologic Examination
Paralysis
Radiography