OMM 6 – Cranial Evaluation and Treatment Practice Test

Cranial strain patterns reflect the direction of the forces that deform the cranial bones. Pattern six represents a compression dysfunction, which occurs when a direct compressive force pushes the cranial contents inward. This kind of trauma—such as a direct blow to the head or another blunt force—produces bilateral inward pressure on the sphenobasilar synchondrosis, leading to a global, symmetrical restriction of cranial motion.

In this pattern, the SBS is effectively compressed, and the cranial bones move less freely in all directions. The other strain patterns arise from different force vectors: lateral strains come from forces that push the SBS to tilt or rotate side to side, while vertical strains come from vertical forces that cause the SBS to move upward or downward, and torsions come from rotational forces.