Disease the reality of which is a matter of controversy. German acronym for  Kopfgelenk-Induzierte Symmetrie-Sterung that could be translated as: symmetry disorders induced by the cervical vertebrae (more accurately of the occipo-C1 junction).

Clinical presentation: before the age of 2 years,the signs are variable and not specific.

There are two distinct types:

• Type I:

• 'C or comma-shape' body posture
• neck tilt with lateral reduction in the mobility of the head
• plagiocephaly
• microsomia of an hemiface (smaller hemiface)
• hypersensitivity on one side of the neck
• motor development disorder
• deformity of the feet
• decreased motor skills on one side with asymmetry in muscle tone
• agitation
• vegetative disorders: crying, difficult sleep, digestion (colic, regurgitation...)

• Type II:

• brachycephaly
• hyperextension
• refusal of ventral positioning
• difficulty supporting the head
• frequent vomiting
• agitation
• raised shoulders
• motor development disorder with a tendency to muscular hypotonia
• hypersensitivity of the neck
• vegetative disorders: crying, difficult sleep, digestion (colic, regurgitation...)

Favoring factors: twin pregnancy; a bad fetal positioning in utero; difficult delivery with forceps or suction cups; pressure on the abdomen of the parturient to push the baby down; narrow maternal pelvis.

Differential diagnosis: congenital torticolis, Sandifer syndrome, Klippel-Feil syndrome (see these terms)

Treatment: osteopathy sessions

Anesthetic implications:

difficulty positioning of the face mask (plagiocephaly, torticolis), gastroesophageal reflux

References : 

       -      www.syndrome-kiss.fr

Updated: May 2021