Syringomyelia is a chronic neurological disease that consists of the formation of a cyst filled with cerebrospinal fluid in the spinal cord, which, in most cases, is usually progressive. In this post we tell you what you should know about syringomyelia, what its symptoms, causes and the most effective diagnosis and treatment for it are.
What is syringomyelia?
Syringomyelia is a neurological disease which consists of the formation of a cerebrospinal fluid-filled cyst within the spinal cord. This is called the syrinx or “syrinx”.
Over time, this fluid can damage the spinal canal, generating very annoying symptoms.
Syringomyelia affects men more compared to women, whose symptoms generally begin between 25 and 40 years of age.
Symptoms of syringomyelia
The symptoms of syringomyelia are very diverse. On the one hand, the patient with syringomyelia has a headache, in addition to pain in the neck, back and arm area.
There are also symptoms such as loss of muscle mass, spasms and stiffness in the extremities, accompanied by a decrease in sensitivity and temperature.
This condition stands out for the presence of a loss of reflexes in the upper extremities, while reflexes increase in the lower extremities.
In some cases, coughing or straining can trigger symptoms of syringomyelia, but does not cause said pathology.
Causes of syringomyelia
There are several possible causes of syringomyelia, but in the vast majority of cases, Syringomyelia is related to a Chiari malformation. These are alterations in which the brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, and occur when the area of the skull has a deformity or is smaller than normal.
Among other possible causes, there is the presence of meningitis, which consists of an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, known as meninges.
On the other hand, The presence of tumors in the spinal canal is one of the causes of syringomyelia, interfering with the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.
Likewise, the lesions present in the spinal cord are another cause of syringomyelia, and can cause symptoms months later and even years.
He tethered cord syndrome It is another reason for the appearance of said pathology. It is a congenital malformation characterized by the presence of scar tissue that fixes the spinal cord, thus preventing the spinal flow of spinal fluid.
Complications of syringomyelia
As mentioned previously, syringomyelia is a progressive condition, so it could lead to certain complications.
The presence of syringomyelia may increase the risk of scoliosis, or a lateral deviation of the spine.
Likewise, syringomyelia expands over time, causing paralysis, especially of the arms and legs.
In the same way, there are motor complications such as weakness and stiffness in the muscles of the legs, which can prevent walking in the most particular cases.
Diagnosis and treatment for syringomyelia
The MRI of the spine It is a safe study where, using magnetic fields, detailed images of the spine are obtained, which also help to plan spinal surgery.
This tool will also be used to monitor the progression of syringomyelia.
The computed tomography will indicate if the patient has tumors in the spinal column, which is why it is another of the studies used to diagnose syringomyelia.
Treatment of syringomyelia in Madrid
When syringomyelia is not so advanced, such that it does not interfere with normal daily life and daily activities, this anomaly should be monitored.
In the most extreme cases, in which it does make daily life difficult, the damage to the spinal cord caused by syringomyelia will be stopped.
Through a minimally invasive surgical intervention with the most advanced technology, our spine specialist traumatologists They will access the spinal canal through spinal endoscopy.
It is the most innovative treatment in spine surgery. Furthermore, it is important to highlight the excellent results it provides in the majority of patients who visit ICAC.
After syringomyelia surgery, patients improve their quality of life. In cases where the patient presents long-standing symptoms, a complete recovery is more complicated. Therefore, we recommend you ask appointment at the Institute of Advanced Spine Surgery to put an end to spinal problems and begin to achieve the health that your back deserves.
54 thoughts on “Siringomielia: qué es, causas, síntomas, diagnóstico y tratamiento”
Hello! How are you? What is the cost of the first consultation? When would they be available? It is due to Syringomyelia. Do you have a specialist on the team?
Thank you so much,
Lola
Good morning, Lola.
Thank you very much for your interest and your comment on our blog. To find out the availability of our experts and the rates, we recommend that you contact our team of spine traumatologists at the following link: https://columna.com/contacto/
You can also do it by calling the contact phone number 910 053 900.
Thank you! All the best.
Good morning.. I hope you can read my message.. my name is Mariana Sánchez I have had syringomyelia for a year but the pain increases every day which is affecting my day to day life. I need guidance on how to cope with it.
I live in the jungle in the district of Nuevo Progreso, province of Tocache, San Martín, Peru, and there are no neurologists and neurosurgeons in this area.
I have to travel to Lima to be treated and money is unfortunately scarce at this time. I would appreciate it if you could guide me because I honestly cannot live with that pain.
God bless you
Good afternoon, Mariana.
We are very sorry not to be able to help you, since unfortunately we are not treated in Latin America.
We hope you have a prosperous recovery.
All the best.
Please, I would like to know what I can do. I have Sitingomelia for 3 years. I calm my pain with many medications a day according to my MRI. It started in the D8 vertebra after an operation and now I have it almost in the D2 vertebra. What can I do, please?
Good morning Ninfa,
First of all, we must see the causes of this pathology and review the medical tests to see if we can act on them. You can arrange a private appointment with our traumatologists if you wish.
All the best.
Hello, how are you? Ten years ago I had an occipital craniotomy to decompress the cerebellum (Arnold Chiari and Sirigomyelia). During the first years the discomfort stopped and gradually the pain in my arms has returned and today sleeping is a problem since the pain is present.
I had an MRI a year ago and my doctor indicated that the Syrinx has not grown and did not recommend treatment...in these cases, what should I do?
The pain already affects my daily life.
Good morning Ricardo,
In order to offer you an accurate diagnosis, it would be necessary to review the medical studies that have been performed on you over time. You can contact our trauma team through the link provided.
All the best.
Hello, 10 years ago I was detected with Syringomyelia, since that moment I have treated my disease with pain relievers that are located in my right leg but now the pain is more intense and I am losing strength to walk, I fall easily…. I'm from Ecuador... I hope you can help me 🙏
Good morning Martha,
We are sorry for your condition. It would be necessary for you to come to our trauma center, where we can perform the necessary medical studies and opt for surgical intervention if necessary.
All the best.
Hello Martha, My name is Miguel, I am also from Ecuador, and I also have Syringomyelia. I would like to know if you have had any effective treatment for syringomyelia.
HELLO GOOD.
I have syringomyelia from D2 to D8.
The most frequent symptoms are from the knee to the foot, especially paresthesia….
I would like to know what daily life is like after having a Cyst drainage operation.
It can be reversible, that is, removing the drainage if the cyst shrinks considerably...
Thank you
Good morning David,
Thank you for visiting our blog.
It can reproduce, even if the surgery was a success.
All the best.
Hello, I would like to know if syrigomelia can disappear because I don't understand why in 2015 they detected me and a neurosurgeon took me and he left and they discharged me. Today I have symptoms and I was tested and it doesn't show that I have it. Could it be like that?
Hello Juana,
It would be necessary to study each case, and see that the diagnosis is indeed correct. Depending on its origin, it can sometimes improve.
All the best.
Hello, I was diagnosed with Syringmelia 6 years ago due to Chiari malformation, my Syrinx is in the cervical areas. My neurosurgeon prescribed I think the usual, I had severe pain throughout my body, I suffered from hypersensitivity on the right side and little sensitivity on the left side, headaches and I suffered from several injuries in my body that did not allow me mobility for a while, muscle stiffness, plus I was diagnosed with vasculitis. Until this moment I have remained stable, without injuries and with significant reduction in pain, I entered into a regimen of medication, diet and exercise. My neurosurgeon told me that I have had the improvement as if he had had surgery.
Now, it has caused me not to have adequate levels of antibodies, allergies, vasculitis and I have periods in which I have attacks of pain and stiffness.
This has been my experience with the disease
Hi Erika, my name is Miguel and I also have syringomyelia. I would like you to share with me more information about your treatment and the evolution of syringomyelia. Thank you.
I would like to know what the procedure they perform in relation to Syringomyelia consists of, is it drainage of the cyst? cutting adhesions? How long does the procedure take? How many days of hospitalization does it require?
I would be grateful if you could help me with that information.
Good morning Flor, in relation to your consultation, the variety of treatments depends on the pathology that the patient presents and its stage. In many cases the patient does not require treatment of this pathology but rather of the underlying pathology. Thank you very much for contacting us and if you give us more information we can help you more deeply.
I had surgery for syringomelia 9 months ago, today I had another MRI and the intramephular tumor appeared again in t12, now they called it hydrosyringomelia, could it be treated with chemo or just with surgery?
Hoal Dayana,
I wouldn't be able to describe it with such limited data. You have to review the images, see what it looks like and what consequences it produces.
Greetings and much encouragement
Hello, I was detected with syringomelia two years ago, 4 neurologists and a neurosurgeon saw me…. Solution: patience and good medications that we continue trying to see which works best.
Is there a solution with the operation or can it be reproduced again????
Thank you
Hello Ana, when it does not interfere with daily life, the recommendation is to control.
The most serious cases usually undergo surgery. If you have more questions, you can come to a consultation with one of our spine professionals.
Greetings
What is the cost of endoscopy to treat 2 syringomyelia cysts in the cervical region?
Hello Eliza,
Make your appointment by calling 910 053 900 so we review your case and can give you an accurate diagnosis, treatment and estimates.
Greetings
Greetings!
I had surgery a year ago for posterior fossa decompression and Laminectomy for Arnold Chiari and syringomyelia.
At the time of the operation he had syringomyelia in T2-T3.
Today, when I underwent new studies again, the same syrinx is still present in T2 and it turns out that a new syrinx appeared in C5-C6. Although they are not big, I have many symptoms such as headaches, neck and back pain. And many others that greatly affect the quality of life.
Is it possible that syrinxes continue to appear after decompression?
If the syrinxes are not that large, should they be operated on?
I'd appreciate your help!
God bless you and thank you very much.
Hello Maricel,
To give you an answer about your case, we would need to see in detail all your medical studies and perform a physical examination. Request your private appointment by calling 910 053 900 and we will be able to evaluate your case in detail to give you secure answers.
Greetings
Hello, my name is Diana. I was diagnosed with syringomyelia and syringovulbia more than two years ago. I have a lot of pain on my right side. I have pain in the trigeminal nerve, orofacial pain, and deviation in L2. For now, they are going to do a trigeminal nerve block in the gasser gland, but my syringomyelia is minor. I would like you to recommend something for the pain. I take pregabalin, but it only relieves a little of the pain and itching in my mouth and tongue, and the bites on my head.
Hello Diana,
We are deeply sorry for the discomfort you are experiencing. In order to recommend the most appropriate treatment, our specialists would need to conduct a complete evaluation of your case. You can schedule an appointment by calling (+34) 91 005 39 00, where our team can help you arrange a personalized assessment.
Greetings.
Hi, I'm from Costa Rica. I tell you that my mother has syringomyelia diagnosed 40 years ago, she is 63 years old and is experiencing serious mobility issues.
Here the doctors know very little and I would like to know the price of the consultation and the treatments to see if we can take her there.
Hi Vanessa, you can send us an email to clinicaelgeadi@clinicaelgeadi.com and we can talk for an online consultation.
Greetings
Hello, I am from a state in the province of Mexico. I am 57 years old and I began to suffer from headaches for 34 years. Throughout this time, those pains have changed the way they affect me. For more than a year, pain has developed on the right side that I take 24/7 every day. analgesics and opiates to cope with the pain, but in recent months other symptoms have been added such as dizziness, deafness, confusion, muscle weakness in the legs and arms, and headaches, among other discomforts, frequently due to the search for the cause of the resonance. discovered type 0 chiari malformation and syringomyelia in the cervical spine, the doctor assures that the only form of treatment to improve and prevent the damage caused up to this moment in the spinal cord from progressing is surgery, my question is if this is true and also if at correct the chiari malformation, diringomyelia will be corrected and will not reappear
Hello Irma,
If it affects your daily life, it is best to perform surgery.
Greetings.
Hello, good morning, I am writing from Colombia but I am a Swedish resident, due to slay nkngenpodiod returning to suexianyabqb a year ago I was diagnosed with syringomelia and arnoxl chiari type, I have been undergoing brain decompression surgery for 5 months and cranial laminetemia, syringomelia does not bother me They touched it, I have it from c4 to t1, now after the surgery the pain and burning and numbness of my hands persist, my question is one day it will happen and it will be worse, because after the surgery it has been worse because I already feel pain in my neck. right side and I can't turn it properly, I appreciate your response and I would like to know, as a Swedish resident, could you see me.
Hi Claudia,
Our clinic is located in Madrid, Spain. We would need to review your evidence to see next steps.
We remain pending.
Hello, my name is Bella Alvarez. I'm a minor. I'm 14 years old and they detected syringomelia at the age of 9. Since then, I started to limp and even used a wheelchair. Now I can walk again, but I have constant pain. I had surgery. I have 22 stitches in my chest. The area of the upper back and the vdd suffered a lot, it hurt a lot and they always tell me that it will improve but on the contrary it got worse and now they may operate on my vdd again, the pain is already the least of what matters to me because I am hospitalized at least 4 times per month once I even went to the emergency room every day for 2 weeks straight because of the pain but the truth is I don't write that's why I would just like to know what possibility there is that I can do sports again because before I did artistic gymnastics and it's my passion it's what I love it and every day I fight to get back to that at least to be able to run again like a normal girl or if I have a party to be able to dance without fear that the next morning they will have to call an ambulance or I can't move my neck because of the pain so bad that I start to cry, I would do everything for that reason just to return to my sport or at least to run I would like to know if you see a possibility of that I would give you all my data if you want or you can write to me on my networks I am like @bel .alvarxzz_ please if you hear any solution out there let me know I have been suffering from pain for years and I just want to go back to my old life sorry if I took up a lot of your valuable time with my speech only that I have been looking for a solution for months since I had surgery Thank you for wanting to improve… I am from Spain but I moved to Paraguay with my mother
Hello Beautiful,
We would need to see you personally accompanied by an adult who is a legal guardian. Unfortunately we cannot give you more information regarding your particular case through this means.
Greetings
Good afternoon, I'm from Venezuela: I thought I was the only one with this disease.
I'm Rosaura. I had occipital craniotomy decompression surgery 10 months ago to decompress the cerebellum (Arnold Chiari and Sirigomyelia). I had improvement in the first month but now the symptoms returned, I had new tests done and the syrinx reappeared and was bigger, I am suffering from these pains and numbness and difficulty walking
my life is an ordeal
greetings
Hi, I'm from Venezuela. I'd like to talk to you.
First of all, I want to thank this chat for the possibility it gives us to clarify our doubts about highly sensitive topics. Good morning, I'm Rafa and I have 2 back operations at levels S1 – L3. The truth is that I have lived a relatively decent life since 2009 after pedicle arthrodesis, but now they tell me that due to the friction of the prosthesis a spinal cyst has developed in the lumbar area. The pain is unbearable and has spread to the entire back. I've been in bed for 2 months and sometimes I can't breathe because of back pain. I have an appointment in March but I don't know how to present the topic so that they take me seriously. I have gone to the emergency room several times and they puncture me and stop again. I'm desperate.
Thank you.
Hello Rafa,
You can contact us by calling 91 005 39 00 and our team of professionals will evaluate your case personally.
Greetings
Hello, I have arnolkisri with singomelia. They detected it 3 years ago. I am 54 years old. I had decompression surgery but I have a lot of discomfort. A few years ago I had surgery on my left arm and the surgery didn't help. I had a torn rotator cuff and I'm the same as before lately it's been happening to me. Many things I have a lot of pain in my cervical spine I can't sleep and the little I sleep I wake up with a lot of pain I don't have much balance anymore my hands have become more clumsy I hope for your answer thank you in advance for your attention
Hello Maria Eugenia,
We can see your case in a private appointment. Call us at 91 005 39 00 and we will find a place for you to hear about your case.
Greetings
Hello, I'm Ysabel Urbina from Venezuela. I was diagnosed 3 years ago with Arnold Kiari type 1 and syringomelia from L5 to C4. I had a decompression 2 and a half years ago and after the operation only 1 week without symptoms then everything came back. Through exercise therapies I was able to have movement and lead a "normal" life. But this year the symptoms are stronger, although I take 150 mg pregabalin daily before going to sleep, the pain now wakes me up in my hips and ankles. Sometimes I can't turn around and getting up in the morning is an ordeal. My question is there is no medicine that gives us relief to cope with this. I read all the experiences and they remain the same, there are no improvements. I would like to know if anyone has recovered well from these operations. They sent me to do the MRI for a checkup but I haven't been able to do it for 2 years. Well, the economy here is very bad. I wish there was some foundation to help us. Well, the only thing that is safe is to continue praying, only Jehovah God will bring recovery to the sick. But we do need some help here.
Hello Ysabel,
Several tests would have to be performed to find out what could have happened 2 years after the surgery.
We hope you can get the attention you need for something so serious.
Greetings
Hi there,
Do you perform idiopathic syringomelia surgery not associated with Chiari with a minimally invasive technique? What is that surgery like because I can't find it? How is the cyst bypass performed with minimal invasion? Because it would be great
Hi Sara,
At the moment we do not apply this technique for Chiari disease.
Greetings
Sorry, I was referring to idiopathic syringomelia, not Chiari. Do you perform minimally invasive surgery to bypass the cyst? I don't understand how.
Good morning, my son is 8 years old and had decompression surgery for an Arnold Chiari 2 years ago. This week he had an MRI and the Syringomyelia continued to grow. He has no pain or other symptoms. But I am worried that as he grows the Syringomyelia will increase and the symptoms will come. I thought the surgery was to stop the Syringomyelia from growing or to make it go away. Now I don't know what it is.
Hello Glim,
If you need a second opinion you can make an appointment by calling +34 91 005 39 00.
Greetings
Good morning, I would like to hear another opinion about the syringomyelic cyst that I have. Can I send you the MRI scans that have been performed or have a telephone consultation? I will be attentive to your response, thank you.
Hi Carlos,
You can call us at 91 005 39 00 and request an appointment online.
Or write to us here to schedule an appointment online.
Greetings
Hello, my daughter has syringomyelia, she was seen in February, and as of today she has no follow-up, she has been living a normal life and is in pain, especially in her feet and legs, she has not worked for a year now, and she is depressed because of everything she has experienced, thank you.
Hello Gema,
You should seek medical attention. Don't wait to call for help.
Greetings