KiSS syndrome is the abbreviation for upper cervical joint-induced symmetry disorder. Strictly speaking, this is not a disease, but a control disorder. KiSS syndrome refers to a malposition that originates from the transitional area between the base of the skull and the vertebral joints in the upper cervical spine. KiSS syndrome leads to asymmetrical postures and movements. For example, hyperextension of the spine, facial asymmetry in which one half of the face is smaller than the other, and asymmetrical use of the arms and/or legs occur.
Causes of KiSS syndrome
The causes of KiSS syndrome are mainly due to problems during birth, when the unborn baby’s head is forced through the mother’s narrow birth canal under high pressure or it undergoes twisting movements during birth that put a lot of stress on the upper cervical joint. Risk factors for KiSS syndrome include a suction cup or forceps delivery, emergency cesarean sections, twin births, very rapid births, and a birth weight greater than 4,000 grams. As a result of breech or breech presentation, disorders can occur even during pregnancy.
KiSS syndrome: symptoms in babies
KiSS syndrome babies may have severe crookedness of the head – hence the former name torticollis – and trunk, and possibly a distinctly asymmetrical skull shape with flattened back of the head. Problems in the area of the cervical spine, however, can also become apparent through a bending back of the head as a protective posture for the cervical spine. KiSS syndrome babies typically avoid the prone position and are reluctant to crawl. Typical KiSS syndrome symptoms in infants include:
- An asymmetrical head position and a tilted position in bed.
- Drinking problems with frequent drooling and difficulty swallowing
- Sleep disturbances, frequent awakenings and restlessness
- Sensitivity to touch, especially when lifting (infants react by crying or screaming).
- Head retention weakness and head rotation weakness
- Cry babies, three-month colic
- Unilateral breastfeeding problems
- Skull/head asymmetry with unilateral underdevelopment of one side of the face
These symptoms do not all occur at the same time and some may be the result of other causes. For example, skipping the crawling stage can also occur in healthy children.
KiSS syndrome: symptoms in children and adults.
More recently, KiSS syndrome has been blamed for other complaints in children: these complaints include impaired motor development, failure to thrive with reduced growth and failure to gain weight, and ENT problems. If KiSS syndrome is not treated in infancy, the so-called Kidd syndrome occurs as a consequence. Kidd syndrome means upper cervical-induced dyspraxia/dysgnosia. Dyspraxia stands for the inability to perform learned movements despite existing perceptual and movement abilities, dysgnosia for disturbed perception. In school-aged children, the symptoms shift to learning difficulties (sometimes called dyscalculia), concentration difficulties, perceptual disorders, hyperactivity or aggressiveness, headaches and postural weaknesses. Untreated KiSS syndrome can later lead to cervical spine problems, chronic back pain, herniated discs, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and movement and balance disorders in adults.
Treating KiSS syndrome
Before treating KiSS syndrome, a comprehensive examination of the children is first necessary. The doctor will probably also advise an X-ray examination. KiSS syndrome is well treatable with manual therapy according to Gutmann (also called Hio technique or atlas therapy according to Arlen). The manual treatment is intended to restore the symmetry of the cervical spine: For this purpose, a pressure impulse (without rotational components) is applied to the two upper cervical vertebrae. Furthermore, mobilizing grips are applied to other parts of the spine. The grips applied to children are different from those applied to adults. In many children, this one-time manual therapy is already sufficient to achieve convincing results. Osteopathic therapy is possible as a supportive measure. If manual therapy does not bring the desired success, physiotherapy follows as the next step of treatment.However, physical therapy for patients with KiSS syndrome should begin no earlier than four weeks after manual therapy.
