What does the Cervical Flexion Rotation Test specifically assess?

The Cervical Flexion Rotation Test is a specific clinical test used to assess the mobility of the atlantoaxial (AA) joint and is particularly relevant in the evaluation of cervicogenic headaches. This test evaluates the ability to flex the neck and rotate the head, which are movements primarily performed at the AA joint.

In individuals experiencing cervicogenic headaches, there is often limitation or restriction in cervical mobility, specifically at the AA joint. By assessing the range of motion during this test, clinicians can identify whether decreased mobility at this joint may be contributing to headache symptoms. The test's focus on the motion available at the atlas and axis (the first two cervical vertebrae) makes it especially pertinent for diagnosing headaches originating from cervical issues.

The other potential choices do not align with the specific purpose of the Cervical Flexion Rotation Test. For example, while vertebral artery stability is an important consideration in cervical assessments, it is not the specific focus of this test. Similarly, the test does not measure overall neck strength or muscle fatigue; those assessments would involve different testing methodologies that target strength or endurance rather than joint mobility. Thus, the assessment provided by the Cervical Flexion Rotation Test plays a crucial role in diagnosing functional impairments associated with