Syringomyelia is a rare condition that can cause spinal pain and bodily weakness. If you have syringomyelia, one or more fluid-filled cysts called syrinxes form in your spinal cord. Over time, a syrinx can grow and put pressure on your spine and nerves. Treatment for syringomyelia aims to relieve this pressure and help you manage pain and other symptoms.
Accessing the variety of specialists needed for spine care can be complicated. The UK HealthCare Comprehensive Spine Center makes it simple by bringing together a team of all the specialists you may need. Within one program, you have access to all our specialties:
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Interventional pain medicine
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Physical/occupational therapy
About 20% of patients with syringomyelia do not have symptoms. Some people may develop symptoms over time as the syrinx grows. Symptoms may also worsen over time.
Syringomyelia typically causes symptoms such as:
- Back, shoulder, neck or arm pain
- Balance problems
- Coughing, hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
- Headaches
- Loss of sensation or inability to feel heat or cold
- Muscle spasms and stiffness in your back, neck, arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling
- Pain that radiates from your neck into your shoulder or head
- Sexual dysfunction
- Spine curvature (scoliosis) in children
- Trouble with bladder or bowel function
- Weakness in the arms or legs
Most cases of syringomyelia are related to a Chiari malformation. These brain abnormalities cause brain tissue to stretch through the base of the skull into the spinal cord. This is also called congenital syringomyelia.
Some people develop a syrinx after an injury or disease. This is called acquired syringomyelia. Common causes include:
- Arachnoiditis
- Meningitis
- Spina bifida occulta
- Spinal cord injuries
- Spinal tumors
- Tethered cord syndrome
Syrinxes due to injuries are also called posttraumatic syringomyelia.
Sometimes people develop syringomyelia with no known cause or reason. This is called idiopathic syringomyelia.
Syringomyelia is most likely to develop in people between ages 20 and 40, but it can occur in much older and younger people, too. Men are slightly more likely to have syringomyelia.
Your journey to better spine health begins at home. Before you visit UK HealthCare for spine pain, we review your medical records. We may contact you with follow-up questions. We then discuss your case as a team. Based on these conversations, we determine which specialists will best meet your needs.
Next, we schedule your appointment. To provide you with the best care possible, you may need to meet with multiple providers. This helps us meet all your care needs in a timely manner.
During your first visit, we answer questions and provide information to help you better understand your condition. We also work to find out what is causing your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
In most cases, we start with non-surgical treatment, such as lifestyle changes and physical therapy. Spine issues that don’t improve with this approach may require other treatment, including pain management and surgical intervention.
When coming to your first appointment, plan to do the following:
- Arrive early. You may need to fill out paperwork when you arrive. Getting to your appointment early gives you time to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.
- Bring a current list of medicines or supplements you take. You should also list any surgeries you’ve had, symptoms you’ve experienced and other past health issues.
- Dress comfortably. Working toward a diagnosis takes time. Comfortable clothes help you stay relaxed and attentive throughout your visit. They also make it easier to perform your physical exam.
- Eat and drink as directed. You may need to have imaging or other tests during your first visit. If you need to adjust your eating, drinking or medicines before a test, a team member will call to explain what you need to do leading up to your visit.
- Have your insurance information on hand. UK HealthCare accepts most insurers, and financial assistance is available.
- Bring a family member or friend with you. This person can help take notes and ask questions you may not think of asking.