Can you see syrinx on xray?
Plain radiograph
Plain films of the spine may show a subtle widening of the spinal canal in both the sagittal and coronal planes.
Can you see a syrinx on an MRI?
Sometimes, syringomyelia may be found during diagnostic imaging for another disorder. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most reliable way to diagnose syringomyelia. Using this test, a physician can determine if there is a syrinx in the spine or another abnormality, such as a tumor.
Is syrinx a serious condition?
In some people, syringomyelia can progress and lead to serious complications. Others have no symptoms. Possible complications as a syrinx enlarges or if it damages nerves within your spinal cord include: An abnormal curve of your spine (scoliosis)
What is a syrinx in the spinal cord?
A syrinx is a fluid-filled cyst that is characteristic of syringomyelia and syringobulbia. Syringomyelia describes a syrinx that forms within the spinal cord. Syringobulbia occurs when the cyst extends to involve the brainstem.
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.
What symptoms does a syrinx cause?
Specific symptoms depend on where the syrinx is located and how much it compresses the nerves. Possible symptoms include weakness of hands and arms, numbness to temperature, pain in the back and neck, scoliosis (curvature of the spine), stiffness, pain, and incontinence. Symptoms usually appear gradually.
Is a syrinx an emergency?
The syrinx can grow over time, requiring additional treatment. Even after treatment, some signs and symptoms of syringomyelia can remain, as a syrinx can cause permanent spinal cord and nerve damage.
Is a syrinx a tumor?
About 30% of tumors that originate in the spinal cord eventually produce a syrinx. Syrinxes that grow in the spinal cord press on it from within. They tend to first affect nerve fibers that carry information about pain and temperature from the body to the brain.
Can syrinx go away?
Treat the underlying cause. In the cases where hydrocephalus or Chiari malformation are causing the syrinx, the surgeon will treat the underlying cause and the syrinx will usually shrink or disappear. For patients with spinal cord tumors, removal of the tumor will usually also result in resolution of the syrinx.