What are the palpatory findings for SBS compression?

• A. Overall amplitude and frequency of the PRM is reduced, sometimes to very little movement at all. Head feels hard and inflexible.
• B. Increased amplitude and frequency of the PRM with a compliant head.
• C. No change in PRM motion; head feels normal.
• D. Only lateral movement is increased.

Answer: (A)

Palpation of SBS compression shows a dampened cranial rhythmic impulse. The overall amplitude and tempo of the primary respiratory mechanism are reduced, sometimes almost imperceptible, and the head feels hard and inflexible to gentle palpation. This reflects restricted cranial bone motion and restrained CSF pulsations across the SBS. The other patterns—increased movement with a compliant head, no change, or movement limited to one direction like laterally—do not fit compression, which tends to dampen motion in all directions rather than enhance it or leave the motion unchanged.