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Neurology (Expert Forum)
srynix (not correct spelling) and muscle spasms
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srynix (not correct spelling) and muscle spasms
by stiff as a board, Jul 07, 2005 12:00AM
I was diagnosed and treated for a severe type 1 chiari malformation in 98. My cerebullum was wrapped around my brainstem and I had a prominent srynx in my thoracic cavity. My condition improved slightly after decompression surgery but I still encounter problems. It gets more complicated since I have a family history of spasmodic problems and my grandfather receives botox injections in his eye lid every three months and my dad has facial spasms. I have been getting treated with botox for about 5 years now(after surgery) and it has been unclear whether what came first the chiari or dystonia as they label it. In early June, I thought I had a simple case of scaitica after doing some moderate lifting. A MRI revealed that I still had a 6mm syrinx that is most prominent from t7-t12 but goes to the conus. I know it is smaller than before surgery was was always told it was too small to cause symptoms but now I wonder if it could be causing my back to literally be stiff as a board and some leg weakness and spacicity. I'm trying to get through grad school like this which is no small task so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW, Jul 10, 2005 12:00AM
Its difficult for me to give you an answer as much of that opinion would be based on looking at the films and doing a physical examination on you
the thoracic syrinx could indeed cause your lower extremity symptoms. The back stiffness is less typical and may be caused by muscle spasm from spasticity or compensatory muscle spasm.
I'm not sure how old you are, but it should be evaluated whether the leg symptoms are part of a possible generalized dystonic problem that runs in your family.
An opinion from a neurologist (probably movement disorder specialist) would hopefully be able to answer some of your questions. The movement disorder clinic at the Cleveland Clinic (now called the Center for Neurologic Restoration) could help you if you so wish
Good luck
the thoracic syrinx could indeed cause your lower extremity symptoms. The back stiffness is less typical and may be caused by muscle spasm from spasticity or compensatory muscle spasm.
I'm not sure how old you are, but it should be evaluated whether the leg symptoms are part of a possible generalized dystonic problem that runs in your family.
An opinion from a neurologist (probably movement disorder specialist) would hopefully be able to answer some of your questions. The movement disorder clinic at the Cleveland Clinic (now called the Center for Neurologic Restoration) could help you if you so wish
Good luck