Spinal Syrinx (Syringomyelia): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
A spinal syrinx, medically known as syringomyelia, is a fluid-filled cavity that develops within the spinal cord. It can remain stable for years or gradually enlarge, causing spinal cord compression and neurological problems.
What Causes a Spinal Syrinx?
Syringomyelia may occur due to several conditions, including:
Chiari malformation
Spinal cord tumors
Previous spinal cord injury
Spinal arachnoiditis or scarring
Congenital abnormalities
Disturbances in normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation
Symptoms of Spinal Syrinx
Symptoms depend on the location and size of the syrinx and may include:
Neck or back pain
Numbness and tingling
Loss of pain and temperature sensation
Weakness of the hands, arms or legs
Muscle wasting
Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Stiffness or spasticity
Loss of hand dexterity
Bowel or bladder disturbances in advanced cases
A characteristic finding in some patients is loss of pain and temperature sensation with relative preservation of touch sensation.
How is Syringomyelia Diagnosed?
MRI of the brain and spine is the key investigation for diagnosing a spinal syrinx. MRI shows the size, location and extent of the syrinx and helps identify its underlying cause.
When Chiari malformation is suspected, imaging of the craniovertebral junction and, in selected cases, CSF-flow assessment may be required.
Does Every Spinal Syrinx Need Surgery?
No. A syrinx does not automatically require surgery.
Small, stable syrinxes without progressive neurological symptoms may be managed with clinical observation and periodic MRI.
Surgery may be considered when there is:
Progressive neurological weakness or sensory loss
An enlarging syrinx
Significant spinal cord compression
Progressive symptoms
A surgically treatable underlying cause
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause and restoration of normal CSF circulation. For example, syringomyelia associated with Chiari malformation may improve after appropriate decompression and restoration of CSF flow. Other causes require individualized treatment.
Why Early Neurosurgical Evaluation Matters
Chronic spinal cord damage can become irreversible. Persistent or progressive weakness, numbness, hand dysfunction, gait problems or unexplained neck and back symptoms should be evaluated by a neurosurgeon.
Dr. Bhushan Meshram, Consultant Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon, provides specialist evaluation and management of spinal syrinx, syringomyelia, Chiari malformation and complex spinal cord disorders.
For patients searching for the best neurosurgeon in South Mumbai for syrinx management, specialist consultation is available for patients from Lalbaug, Mumbai Central, Dadar, Parel, Lower Parel, Worli, Chinchpokli, Curry Road, Peddar Road, Godapdeo, Byculla and across South Bombay.
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A spinal syrinx, medically known as syringomyelia, is a fluid-filled cavity that develops within the spinal cord. It can remain stable for years or gradually enlarge, causing spinal cord compression and neurological problems.
What Causes a Spinal Syrinx?
Syringomyelia may occur due to several conditions, including:
Chiari malformation
Spinal cord tumors
Previous spinal cord injury
Spinal arachnoiditis or scarring
Congenital abnormalities
Disturbances in normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation
Symptoms of Spinal Syrinx
Symptoms depend on the location and size of the syrinx and may include:
Neck or back pain
Numbness and tingling
Loss of pain and temperature sensation
Weakness of the hands, arms or legs
Muscle wasting
Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Stiffness or spasticity
Loss of hand dexterity
Bowel or bladder disturbances in advanced cases
A characteristic finding in some patients is loss of pain and temperature sensation with relative preservation of touch sensation.
How is Syringomyelia Diagnosed?
MRI of the brain and spine is the key investigation for diagnosing a spinal syrinx. MRI shows the size, location and extent of the syrinx and helps identify its underlying cause.
When Chiari malformation is suspected, imaging of the craniovertebral junction and, in selected cases, CSF-flow assessment may be required.
Does Every Spinal Syrinx Need Surgery?
No. A syrinx does not automatically require surgery.
Small, stable syrinxes without progressive neurological symptoms may be managed with clinical observation and periodic MRI.
Surgery may be considered when there is:
Progressive neurological weakness or sensory loss
An enlarging syrinx
Significant spinal cord compression
Progressive symptoms
A surgically treatable underlying cause
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause and restoration of normal CSF circulation. For example, syringomyelia associated with Chiari malformation may improve after appropriate decompression and restoration of CSF flow. Other causes require individualized treatment.
Why Early Neurosurgical Evaluation Matters
Chronic spinal cord damage can become irreversible. Persistent or progressive weakness, numbness, hand dysfunction, gait problems or unexplained neck and back symptoms should be evaluated by a neurosurgeon.
Dr. Bhushan Meshram, Consultant Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon, provides specialist evaluation and management of spinal syrinx, syringomyelia, Chiari malformation and complex spinal cord disorders.
For patients searching for the best neurosurgeon in South Mumbai for syrinx management, specialist consultation is available for patients from Lalbaug, Mumbai Central, Dadar, Parel, Lower Parel, Worli, Chinchpokli, Curry Road, Peddar Road, Godapdeo, Byculla and across South Bombay.
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