What problems can a syrinx cause?

Possible complications as a syrinx enlarges or if it damages nerves within your spinal cord include: An abnormal curve of your spine (scoliosis) Chronic pain as a result of spinal cord damage to the spinal cord. Motor difficulties, such as weakness and stiffness in your leg muscles that can affect your walking.

What happens if a syrinx burst?

Spinal fluid is thought to flow through channels that act as one-way valves: fluid flows in but little flows out. Pressure builds in the syrinx until it enlarges and ruptures, damaging normal spinal cord tissue and injuring nerve cells.

What does syrinx pain feel like?

Syringomyelia is usually slowly progressive, but rapid onset can occur. Common symptoms include pain in the neck and shoulders. Pain may also affect the arms and hands and may be described as a burning, tingling or piercing sensation.

Can syrinx go away?

Untreated, syrinxes tend to expand over time, though some remain stable or even disappear. Unfortunately, it is not always clear which course a syrinx will follow. Syringomyelia is also known as hydromyelia.

Can a syrinx cause paralysis?

As it stretches it may damage the gray matter in the spinal cord and cause pain, loss of sensation, and loss of muscle bulk. Damage to the white matter causes stiffness and poor muscle control. Left untreated, a syrinx may eventually lead to paralysis.

Is syrinx a disability?

Syringomyelia is included in the SSA’s Blue Book of disabling conditions under Medical Listing 11.19. According to this listing, a patient will qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if they are suffering from a case of syringomyelia that meets certain qualifying criteria.

Can you live a normal life with a syrinx?

Lately, the number of patients that remain stable grow, although an older study suggested that 20% of patients suffering from Syringomyelia died at an average age of 47.

How do I get rid of syrinx?

Surgical removal of obstructions such as scar tissue, bone from the spinal canal, or tumors can help restore the normal flow of CSF. If a tumor is causing syringomyelia, Removing a tumor that is causing syringomyelia almost always eliminates the syrinx. Occasionally, radiation also may be used to shrink the tumor.

How long is recovery from syrinx surgery?

Recovery from the actual surgery varies from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your general health. After surgery, you can expect headache and neck pain from the incision that may last several weeks. You will be given isometric neck exercises to do at home.

Does syrinx go away?