Atlantoaxial Dislocation Presenting with Dizziness

Atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) or subluxation (AAS) is a potentially life-threatening disorder caused by instability between the atlas and axis. Typical symptoms include neck pain, torticollis, and neurological deficits, but dizziness has rarely been reported in association with AAD/AAS. We describe an adolescent girl who presented with non-spinning dizziness, neck pain, and torticollis after prolonged head flexion and extension. Neurological examination showed rightward torticollis without nystagmus. Cervical spine imaging revealed atlantoaxial rotatory dislocation and fixation, while CT angiography confirmed patency of both vertebral arteries. Conservative management with cervical traction was ineffective, and surgical reduction with C1–C2 fixation and fusion was performed. The patient experienced complete resolution of dizziness and torticollis postoperatively without complications. This image-based report describes a rare case of AAD in which dizziness was the main presenting symptom. This case highlights that cervical instability should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dizziness.