C-Spine Congenital Deformation

[Linds0511]

I was rear ended 10 years ago. During my ER visit, they found congenital birth defects in my C1 and C2 vertebrae. The radiologist's report states that my C1 is partially fused to the base of my skull. There is a deformation in the arch of my C1 and a deformation on the left side body of the C2. I remember the neurosurgeon saying one of those issues is rare in that part of the spine and that he had not seen it except for in the lumbar spine. It wasn't surgical at the time because I was a symptomatic. Now, I have been getting pain and tingling from the right side of my neck all the way down to my fingers. When I cough, I get twinges down my thighs to the knees. When I cough, I get extreme pain from my neck to my hands, and my arms go numb. I have been having migraines daily as well, and this was not typical before. The migraines are always behind my eye. Is this connected to my birth defect?

[Linds0511]

My results from X-rays done over the weekend show that my C2 vertebrae has fused to my C1, and what was once a partial fusion of my C1 to the base of my skull is now a complete fusion. Is there a name for this condition? I have a while to wait for my appointment with the neurosurgeon and I am worrying myself to death over this.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
Well, since 10 years back these deformities were detected, you need a current MRI to know if there is nerve and/or cord impingement or not. Your symptoms could be due to nerve/cord pressure. Please consult a neurologist as soon as you can.
Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.