Syringomyelia

Diagnosis

Your healthcare professional will review your medical history and perform a complete physical exam. Sometimes syringomyelia is discovered incidentally during an MRI or CT scan of the spine done for another reason.

If syringomyelia is suspected, tests may include:

• MRI. This is the most reliable tool for diagnosing syringomyelia. It uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create detailed images of the spine and spinal cord. A syrinx, if present, is visible on the scan. MRI may be repeated over time to monitor progression.

• CT scan. CT uses a series of X-rays to produce detailed images of the spine and spinal cord. It can help detect tumors or other spinal conditions.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the size of the syrinx.

Monitoring

• If syringomyelia is not causing symptoms, active treatment may not be needed. Periodic MRI and neurological exams can monitor the condition.

Surgery
Surgery is considered if symptoms interfere with daily life or worsen rapidly. The goal is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and restore normal cerebrospinal fluid flow. Surgical options include:

• Treating Chiari malformation. Removing a small section of bone at the back of the skull can reduce pressure and restore fluid flow.

• Draining the syrinx. A shunt, a flexible tube, directs fluid from the syrinx to another area of the body, such as the abdomen.

• Removing obstructions. Tumors, bone spurs, or other blockages may be surgically removed to restore fluid flow.

• Correcting spinal irregularities. Surgery can release a tethered spinal cord or other irregularities to allow proper drainage.

Follow-up care

• Regular exams and periodic MRI scans are necessary, as syringomyelia can recur or grow over time.

• Some symptoms may persist due to permanent spinal cord or nerve damage.