Cranial Strain Patterns Updated Flashcards
How do the AP & Transverse diameters of the cranium change throughout the PRM?
During Inhalation, the dura mater widens laterally to accommodate external rotation of the lateral cranial bones; this increases the transverse diameter while simultaneously narrowing the AP diameter as the dura mater shifts
All the above would be reversed for exhalation: internal rot. of lateral cranial bones, increased AP & decreased transverse diameters
Cranial Extension is assoc. with what phase of the PRM?
Exhalation
Cranial Flexion is assoc. w/ what phase of the PRM?
Inhalation
Cranial Flexion & Extension occur about what axes?
2 transverse Axes in opposite directions
Describe the movement of the sphenoid & occiput during cranial flexion?
sphenoid rotates anteriorly while the occiput rotates posteriorly relative to the SBS
In other words, the sphenoid & occiput rotate in opposite directions about 2 transverse axes
describe the movement of the palms and fingers for a flexion cranial strain pattern
fingers spread apart and palms move laterally to accommodate external rot. of the lateral cranial bones
describe the paired motions of the lateral bones, sphenoid, & occiput during cranial extension
During extension, the sphenoid rotates posteriorly while the occiput rotates anteriorly about the SBS; this is accompanied by internal rot. of the lateral cranial bones
describe the dynamics of the physician’s hands for an extension cranial strain pattern
fingers approximate and palms move medially to accommodate internal rot. of the lateral cranial bones
Using vault hold, describe the cranial strain pattern motion for left torsion.
hands rotate in opposite directions with left hand rotating cephalad with the left greater wing of the sphenoid
What Axis/axes is/are assoc. with torsion?
occiput and sphenoid move about 1 AP axis in opposite directions
T or F: for a SB & Rot. cranial strain pattern:
SB component: occiput & sphenoid move about 2 parallel axes in the same direction
Rotation Component: occiput & sphenoid move about 1 AP axis in opposite directions
FALSE
Remember:
parallel = opposite
AP = same
Describe the movement of the physician’s hands in vault hold for a left SB & Rot. cranial strain pattern.
left fingers will approximate with simultaneous spreading of the right fingers
right hand moves caudad while the left hand moves cephalad
T or F: ALL NON-PHYSIOLOGICAL Cranial strain patterns are assoc. w/ occiput and sphenoid movement about axes in the same direction
TRUE
1 EXCEPTION: Sphenobasilar synchondrosis compression which has NO AXES
What is/are the axis/axes for a lateral strain pattern
2 parallel vertical axes
What is/are the axis/axes for a vertical strain pattern?
2 transverse axes
Describe the physician’s hand movements for an inferior vertical shear.
Posterior Rotation of both hands
fingers move upward while base of palms rotate in a downward direction
Describe the physician’s hand movements for a superior vertical shear.
Anterior Rotation of both hands
fingers move downward while the base of the palms rotate in an upward direction
Describe the physician’s hand movements for a right lateral strain pattern.
both hands will rotate and deviate to the right such that both 5th digits are pointing right while both 1st digits point left
Describe the feeling of a SBS compression stain pattern.
rock hard like a bowling ball
or
feels like all the cranial strain patterns at once
T or F: Sacral Flexion/Nutation is assoc. w/ cranial extension
True
Sacral FlEXion = Cranial EXtension
T or F: in left torsion, the greater wing of the sphenoid is more inferior on the left relative to the right
False
for Torsion, somatic dysfunction is named for which side of the greater wing of the sphenoid is more superior
T or F: for SB & Rot. cranial strain patterns, SD is named for the side of rotation about the AP axis
True
both the sphenoid and occiput will rotate in the same direction about 1 AP axis: the side of the convexity
You are a DO resident at an internist clinic. The next pt. you see is complaining of having tension HAs regularly. You decide to perform an OSE of the cranium using the vault hold. you notice that the SBS deviates caudad throughout the entire PRM. What type of cranial strain pattern is being described in this scenario ? Explain your reasoning.
extension
during extension phase of the PRM, the SBS moves caudad as the occiput and sphenoid approximate to accommodate nutation
One of your best friends comes up to you and asks if you can perform OMM to alleviate their migraines. During your OSE of the cranium, you notice that your friend’s sphenoid deviates cephalad relative to the occiput. What type of cranial strain pattern does this describe/
Superior Vertical strain
You and a colleague decide to review cranial OMM and practice on each other. You note that their sphenoid deviates to the right relative to the occiput in such a way that your pinkies deviate right. What type of cranial strain pattern is this?
right lateral strain
