MRI RESULTS???

[mkluge]

I had MRI's done of th cervical spine without contrast these are the results if anyone can tell me in non doctor terms what it means. Thanks

Clinical Information: Syrinx.

Procedure: The cervical spine was imaged in sagittal plane emphazing inversion recovery and FSE T2, as well as SE T1 weighted sequences.  A T2 star gradient echo axial sequences were also obtained.

Findings: There is syringohydromyelia cavity in the central spinal cord extending aprox. 7 cm in craniocaudal extent from aprox. the level of C3-4 disk down to the level of the C7-T1 disk and measuring aprox. 23mm in greatest diameter at the C7 level.  The spinal cord is otherwise normal in contour and caliber.  There is no evidence for spinal canal of nerual foraminal stenosis at any level.  There is mild reversal of the normal cervical lordosis.

Impression: Syringohydromyelia cavity extending from C3-4 level to the C7-T1 level.

[mkluge]

These mri's were a result of a car accident.  I get severe pain in my neck and lower back.  I wake up in the morning so stiff and in pain I can barely bend over.  Do you think this syrinx was because of the car accident and do you believe it is what is causing my pain and what do you think needs to be done.  I didn't have any pain or stiffness til after this accident considering I was a healthy 21 yr old and now I feel like an 80 yr old everyday.  My doctors have made me go to physical therapy and that didn't do anything.  What do you suggest I do?

[Stephen Ryu, MD]

You have a hollow area in the middle of your spinal cord in the neck about 7 cm long that is not causing the cord to be expanded too much. Otherwise, the spine looks normal except being a little straight.


Syrinx can be benign random findings or associated with birth defects, spinal trauma, and spinal infections. If you have not problems, then they are usually watched carefully. They do not usually cause pain.