What is internal decapitation?

Internal decapitation, also known as atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD), is a rare and severe traumatic injury where the separation of the skull from the spinal column occurs at the joint between the atlas and occipital bone. The injury usually occurs due to high-velocity trauma, such as a car accident, a fall from a great height, or sports injuries.

Symptoms of internal decapitation include neck pain, numbness, and loss of function in the arms and legs, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis. In severe cases, the injury can be fatal due to spinal cord damage or blood vessel injury in the neck.

Treatment for internal decapitation is usually an emergency surgery, which involves stabilizing the spine with rods and screws. Recovery from internal decapitation can be lengthy and requires extensive rehabilitation to regain any lost function. It is important to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of internal decapitation, such as wearing helmets when participating in high-impact sports and using seat belts in cars.