New member/?'s about syrinx - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

missyh12 · 04-07-2005, 06:13 PM

Hi, My name is Missy, and I'm 34 yrs old. I found out I have a cervical spinal syrinx starting at C-7 and going down to the mid-portion of T-2 with no associated Chiari Malformatiom about two yrs ago. A few months ago I started having alot of dizziness
(lightheaded, not room spins) when I turn my head, and look up and down. I have weakness in my arms. I sometimes get numbness, and tingling in my hands, and arms. I also get bad cramping muscle spasms in between my shoulder blades

My last MRI showed a 2.3 by 0.6 by 0.6 cm central syrinx with mild thinning of the spinal cord surrounding it, and mild effacement of the CSF space. My Pain management doctor has referred me to a neurosurgeon who I have an appt with next month. My PM doctor says its probable that I will have to get a shunt put in. Does anyone know if the thinning of the cord is something that will have to be fixed? Also, what # in the measurements of the syrinx is the width? I've read that its the width of it that causes problems, not the length. And, what does effacement of the CSF space mean? Any info would be great. Thanks for your time!!!

Missy

debbied30 · 07-04-2005, 03:28 PM

Hi Missy,
I am new here, but can perhaps help you a tad bit.
Our 13yrold daughter has a syrinx (due to Chiari) that goes from c2 all the way to the very bottom of spinal canal. Hers is an hour glass shaped , some areas are wider, some are narrow.
The syrinx puts pressure on the nerves which can cause numbness, tingling.
Unfortunately from what we understand so far these symptoms could be permanent .
Our daughter has right hand/arm/shoulder/face numbness/tingles. She is scheduled for Chiari decompression next week , the goal is to fix the chiari in hopes that it will make the syrinx dissolve , if not then she will have to go back in and have the shunt placed in spine to drain the syrinx.
I would definately recommend getting this fixed , as we have learned that the syrinx can eventually cause paralysis and lose of bowel / bladder control

Deb

feelbad · 07-05-2005, 07:53 AM

All i can tell you is to find a good NS who has had ALOT of experience in treating your particular problem.i had/have a cavernous hemnagioma inside my cord at the c7 T 1 level.I ended up going to our local university hosp(my third opinon actually) as they really see some of the more bizarre and rare types of neuro disorders.They are also up more than most NSs on the latest treatments and surgical techniques.Since this is a teaching hospital I just felt that I was in the best possible hands with an extremely experienced neurosurgeon.Good luck.Marcia

trishaitch · 08-01-2005, 03:34 AM

Hi out there! I'm new to this site and I have just been reading all of your experiences with A.C.M and Syrinx, I also have been suffering with very clear symptoms for at least ten years but was only diagnosed in june 2004 with both of these conditions.
I envy your experience of treatment, I live in Edinburgh Scotland, and have been waiting nine months for an appointment with a neuro. I am now showing symptoms of Fibro, and have the added complication of having an allergy to any drugs containing codine,I have tried Tramadol which made me throw up, trying to survive on paracetamol and anti inflamatory drugs at present. As you will all appreciate I'm pretty much at the end of my tether. Any advice would be great.

kirafaye · 08-03-2005, 08:33 PM

I had surgery for decompression for my chiari and syringomyelia. mine goes from c2-t10 and even though some say the syrinx is thinning I am still having problems. It is one of those things you really need to treat sooner rather then later to stop nerve damage.