Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
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Subject: Re: Syringomyelia I was diagnosed with Syringomyelia due to an Arnold Chiari 1. I had a syrinix C1 to T8. It collapsed during decompression surgery when they tried to put a shunt in. It appears that another syrinx is now opening. QUESTION: Is Syringomyelia progressive? In what way? Is there a definite pattern? Will I have to keep having surgeries to try and close there DAMM things. How much damage do they have to do before the risks of surgery are woth it? Thanks, Robin. ____ ____ Dear Robin, Syringomyelia means that there is a cyst within the spinal cord itself. It may be asymptomatic or can present with numbness in the arms but sparing the trunk and legs. There may also be some weakness in the arms. When a syrinx becomes symptomatic, decompression may be considered. A syrinx may be decompressed and shunted internally, or it may be shunted externally into the pleura or abdomen. Speak to your physician as to whether your syrinx is causing you problems and whether it needs to be addressed surgically. Good luck.
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