Grabb-Oakes Line
The Grabb-Oakes Line (GOL), first described by Grabb et al. in 1999, is a radiographic measurement used to assess for underside brainstem compression, particularly in patients with Chiari malformation, a structural deformity where the brain tissue, specifically the cerebellum, extends into the spinal canal through a normal opening at the base of the skull.
This measurement is used to help assess for craniocervical instability (CCI), from the skull to C2.
What is considered an abnormal Grabb-Oakes measurement?
A measurement of ≥ 9 mm suggested a high risk of compression on the brainstem’s underside.
What are some symptoms people experience with an abnormal Grabb-Oakes measurement?
Some symptoms experience are headache, dizziness, confusion, trouble swallowing, weakness, numbness, and electric-like tingling.
Is Grabb-Oakes a legitimate measurement?
Yes, GOL is a common measurement utilized by neurosurgeons.
GOL References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7112711/#:~:text=The%20Grabb%2DOakes%20measurement%2C%20or,statistically%20correlated%20with%20clinical%20outcome.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28799840/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330271077_Cervical_medullary_syndrome_secondary_to_craniocervical_instability_and_ventral_brainstem_compression_in_hereditary_hypermobility_connective_tissue_disorders_5-year_follow-up_after_craniocervical_redu
- https://www.neurosurgery.columbia.edu/patient-care/conditions/basilar-invagination#:~:text=At%20the%20other%20extreme%2C%20basilar,when%20the%20neck%20is%20bent.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4707768/