Question:
What can be done for syringomyelia of spine?
Answer:
Syringomyelia is formation of a cyst or a cavity within the spinal cord. The cyst which is also called syrinx can grow or expand compressing and destroying the spinal cord resulting in paralysis.
It can be congenital or acquired as a result of trauma, diseases like meningitis or tumors. But in vast number of cases, cause is not detected.
If the damage is less it may cause pain, weakness, and stiffness in the extremities. Sensory loss can result in ability to feel the difference between hot and cold.
Symptoms of Spinal Syringomyelia
Symptoms vary depending on the site of the spinal nerves which are affected.
- Sensory loss due to upper and lower motor involvement
- Wasting of muscles of the hand and weakness in hands occur due to compression of anterior horn cells if the cyst is in the cervico dorsal spine.
- Unnoticed burns and injuries are often the complication of syringomyelia as a result of loss of sensation of touch, temperature and pain.
- Cranial nerve palsies and nystagmus, can occur if the syrinx extends into the brain stem.
Investigation: MRI is the only scientific and specific investigative tool to outline the cavity and other abnormalities if present.
Treatment for Spinal Syringomyelia
Treatment will depend on severity of the disease.
- If syringomyelia is detected accidentally while doing MRI for any other reason, and if there are no signs and symptoms of the disease it is better to leave it as it is, monitoring with periodic MRI and periodic neurological check ups may be all that is necessary.
- In rare cases the syrinx may resolve of its own.
- The role of surgery come’s into picture if the symptoms and the signs are interfering in daily life, or they worsen rapidly.
- In some cases surgery may not be successful and the syrinx may remain despite the effort to drain the fluid from it.
Follow up after surgery is necessary as there are chances of formation of syrinx after the surgery.
Life style modifications necessary for patients suffering from syringomyelia:
- Avoid activities which make the symptoms worse.
- Activities which strain the spine like playing football, rugby, boxing should be forbidden
- Do not strain during bowel movement
- Do not lift anything more than 2 to 3 kgs.
Physiotherapy may be considered in patients suffering from neurological deficit.
- Related Topics
- What Is Syringomyelia? Read Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
- Spinal Injuries Symptoms: Causes, Treatment For Injury To Spinal Cord
- Spinal Cord Compression Causes: Compression Of Spinal Cord Treatment
- Lesions On Spine And Spinal Cord Syndromes: Spine Lesion Symptoms
- Symptoms Of Spinal Fluid Leakage: Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Causes
