Cervicocranial syndrome or (Craniocervical Junction Syndrome: CCJ syndrome) is a neurological illness. It is a combination of symptoms that are caused by an abnormality in the neck. The bones of the neck that are affected are cervical vertebrae (C1 - C7). This syndrome can be identified by confirming cervical bone shifts, collapsed cervical bones or misalignment of the cervical bone leading to improper functioning of cervical spinal nerves. [1]  Cervicocranial syndrome is either congenital or acquired (as a result of injury or disease). Some examples of diseases that could result in cervicocranial syndrome are Chiari disease, Klippel-Feil malformation osteoarthritis, and trauma. Treatment options include neck braces, pain medication and surgery. The quality of life for individuals suffering from CCJ syndrome can improve through surgery. Signs and Symptoms
Cervicocranial syndrome has a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms often include:

Vertigo
Chronic Headache aka Cephalea
Tinnitus
Facial Pain
Ear Pain
Dysphagia
Carotidynia
Neck Pain (ex: during movement such extension and flexion)
Syncope
Sinus congestion
Neck Crepitus Sound
Loss of vision
Involuntary eye-movement
Severe Fatigue
Chest Pain
Brain Fog

Cause
The cause of cervicocranial syndrome is either due to a defect (genetic mutation or development of diseases later in life) or an injury pertaining to the neck: cervical area, that damages the spinal nerves traveling through the cervical region resulting in ventral subluxation. Examples of cases that can result in cervicocranial syndrome are: car accidents, trauma, osteoarthritis, tumor, degenerative pathology and other numerous causes of vertebral instability. There is no single cause that can mainly cause cervicocranial syndrome. Genetic
The genes GDF6, GDF3, MEOX1 used as examples, encode for making proteins that help with development.
Chondrocalcinosis or cartilage calcification is calcification (accumulation of calcium salts) in hyaline cartilage and/or fibrocartilage. It can be seen on radiography. Causes
Buildup of calcium phosphate in the ankle joints has been found in about 50% of the general population, and may be associated with osteoarthritis.Another common cause of chondrocalcinosis is calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (CPPD). CPPD is estimated to affect 4% to 7% of the adult populations of Europe and the United States. Previous studies have overestimated the prevalence by simply estimating the prevalence of chondrocalcinosis regardless of cause.A magnesium deficiency may cause chondrocalcinosis, and magnesium supplementation may reduce or alleviate symptoms. In some cases, arthritis from injury can cause chondrocalcinosis. Other causes of chondrocalcinosis include:
Hypercalcaemia, especially when caused by hyperparathyroidism
Arthritis
Pseudogout
Wilson disease
Hemochromatosis
Ochronosis
Hypophosphatasia
Hypothyroidism
Hyperoxalemia
Acromegaly
Gitelman syndrome

Diagnosis
Chondrocalcinosis can be visualized on projectional radiography, CT scan, MRI, US, and nuclear medicine. CT scans and MRIs show calcific masses (usually within the ligamentum flavum or joint capsule), however radiography is more successful. At ultrasound, chondrocalcinosis may be depicted as echogenic foci with no acoustic shadow within the hyaline cartilage. As with most conditions, chondrocalcinosis can present with similarity to other diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis and gout. == References ==