Down's Syndrome/atlas Bone Problems

[jubieanna]

My SIL has Down's Syndrome and has had a fall and banged her head against a wall. She has had a stiff neck ever since and had anti inflammatory tablets from the doctor. It happened over a week ago and it is till sore, she is struggling to turn her head properly.
Down's Syndrome people have a weakness in their necks with their Atlas bone at the top of their spine. She had an xray years ago to see if she had a problem with hers and she hadn't.

I feel her neck should be improving by now. She has another appointment at the docs on Monday and we are going to ask for an xray.

Does anyone know if a fall could cause a problem with this Atlas Bone or is it a problem the either have or haven't?

[Sqad]

I am a bit confused here...but.....congenital ( present at birth) abnormalities of the Atlas bone, with or indeed without Down's Syndrome are as rare as "rocking horse manure"...............exceedingly uncommon.

A fall could cause a problem with the Atlas bone........but again exceedingly uncommon.

Have I understood your question?

[jubieanna]

Sorry Sqad Im confused as well and I wrote it!!

We were told years ago that she and her friends couldnt do sport because of this problem caused by their ligaments being very slack. They were all xrayed and no problems were found.

So I wondered if we should be looking into something more serious than just a stiff neck from her fall.

[Sqad]

\\\So I wondered if we should be looking into something more serious than just a stiff neck from her fall.\\\

I would not have thought so, on the balance of probability, I suppose it would be reasonable to ask for an X-Ray of her cervical spine, but I would be very surprised if it turned out to be other than normal.

[jubieanna]

Thanks a lot sqad. Your input is greatly appreciated :-)