The first scan I had was an upright MRI with flex ion and head turning which showed I could turn my head too far and that Alar & Cruciform ligaments holding head in place were damaged. But it needs a skilled person who understands CCI to report on this.
My Neurosurgeon did CT with contrast & head turn and MRI (both supine). On scan images it’s evident my skull is titled to one side. Compressed JVs also evident on scan. (But the radiologist missed all that in their report). Needs someone who knows what to look for on imaging.
Queens Sq did X Ray with flexion that did not find evidence of enough instability for venous problems but did find elongated styloid issues & some calcification of styloid ligament.
In UK CCI is not well understood, fusion remains controversial & getting accurate diagnosis, meaningful help &/or fusion remains very difficult. Most patients get told it’s their imagination and get pain meds at best. This situation is really terrible for patients with serious CCI and needs to change. I understand NHS only fuses in A&E accident incidents (where death or paralysis risk) or if osteoarthritis at top of cervical spine where bones visibly failing &/or bone lodged in brain on scans.
Hope that is helpful. D