KISS syndrome: photo, symptoms, is it serious?

KISS syndrome photo symptoms is it serious

Does your baby’s head position seem unusual to you? Does he cry a lot?

We don’t know much about him yet the KISS syndrome concerns “3% of babies” tells us Dr. Marc Pérez, osteopathic doctor. It results in a disorder of the symmetry of the baby’s body at the cervical level. The child may have difficulty holding his head, refuses to lie on his stomach…

Definition: what is KiSS syndrome?

KiSS is the German acronym for “Kopfgelenk Induzierte Symmetrie Störungen”, which in English means “Symmetry Disorders Induced by the Upper Cervical Vertebrae”. The syndrome is characterized by “loss of mobility between the first cervical vertebra and the base of the skull. As a result, the child positions his head incorrectly, which will lead to functional adaptations of the body, causing various ailments. defines the osteopath. This syndrome formerly known as “Atlas blockage” was first described in 1953 by Dr. Gottfried Gutmann.

Baby with KISS syndrome with cranial asymmetry © H. Biedermann

What are the symptoms of KiSS syndrome?

Up to 2 years, experts speak of Kiss type I or II. For type I, the following symptoms may appear:

  • Motor skills weaker on one side of the body
  • Reclined posture (C body position)
  • Hypersensitivity on one side of the neck
  • Motor developmental disorder

For type II, among the symptoms are:

  • Refusal to lie on your stomach
  • Difficulty supporting your head
  • Frequent drooling and vomiting
  • Hustle

From 2 years old, we observe:

  • Fine motor skills problems
  • A delay in language development
  • Oral disorders
  • Difficulty orienting yourself in space

When we are adults?

If KISS syndrome is not serious in itself, it has repercussions in adulthood, even more so if it was not detected when young and therefore corrected. Among its consequences:

  • neck pain,
  • headaches and/or migraines
  • chronic back pain (sciatica, herniated disc, lumbago, etc.),
  • rheumatic diseases (fibromyalgia)
  • shoulder, arm, hip, knee, ankle problems
  • joint problems of the mouth and jaw (teeth grinding)
  • digestive disorders
  • balance problems, dizziness,
  • motor skills problems,
  • tinnitus

What causes KiSS syndrome?

  • An accident during pregnancy.
  • Intrauterine malposition of the child.
  • A delivery that was too long or required the use of instruments.
  • Triggering
  • Multiple pregnancy
  • Premature rupture of membranes
  • Trauma (shock) to the head in the first months of life

Given the symptoms, the doctor requests x-rays of the cervical spine and pelvis to be taken in order to make the diagnosis.

What are the complications of KiSS syndrome?

If no treatment is put in place, the child will continue to grow with this joint dysfunction, which will lead to difficulties learning to walk and speak, the development of scoliosis, migraines and various health ailments.

These are mainly osteopathy sessions. Their aim is to release tension at the cranio-cervical junction and to remove blockages. “Four to six sessions are necessary, spaced 15 days apart, recommends Dr. Pérez. Then regular maintenance, depending on the importance of the asymmetry, until adolescence.”

Thanks to Dr. Marc Pérez, osteopathic doctor.

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