Causes

The cause of the KiSS syndrome is considered to be the increased stress on the upper cervical joints during prenatal or birth. Already in the uterus, a head end position or a multiple pregnancy can lead to an incorrect loading of the upper cervicals. During childbirth, prolonged contractions can cause recurrent pressure on the child, pressing it against the birth canal. Even the normal overextension of the head during the passage of the birth canal can cause damage to the upper cervicals. The occurrence is more often observed when using obstetric aids such as forceps or suction cups, both of which exert an enormous pull on the upper cervical spine.

What is the difference between KiSS-1 and KiSS-2 syndrome?

The clinical picture of the KiSS syndrome is divided into two different forms in today’s medicine. In KiSS-1 syndrome, the head joint and cervical vertebrae are twisted and blocked in such a way that the lateral rotation of the head – and inclination – is painful for the child. In order to avoid this, children adopt a relieving posture, which can lead to unilateral asymmetrical malpositions, such as a torticollis, a C-scoliosis, a flattened back of the head or even to reduced mobility of the affected half of the body.

In KiSS-2 syndrome, the head joint and cervical vertebrae are also twisted and blocked. However, the child stretches the head backwards to avoid the pain. This typically leads to the appearance of the so-called KiSS spot.

This is a round hair abrasion and a flattened back of the head. The children refuse the prone position and show clear developmental disorders.The over-extended head position can cause a narrowing of the child’s windpipe when crying, which can lead to a life-threatening lack of oxygen. KiSS-2 children are even more often counted among the screaming children because they have difficulty finding a suitable lying position that does not cause them pain.