How soon should I see a Neurologist?

[bridget999]

There is a possibility I have a syrinx and my MD recommended I see a neurosurgeon. I am a graduate student with way too much stress and this is one of the several medical issues I've had in the last year. I am sick of seeing doctors and I want to know if this is something I should get evaluated ASAP or if it can wait 6 months or so.

Here's my history:
Car accident in august 2008 causing "soft tissue" damage with pain in right shoulder/neck/upper back... I've been back and forth to physical therapy over the last 2 years with little relief.  Finally, the current doctor I'm seeing ordered an MRI. The MRI showed I have "mild dilatation of central canal of the spinal cord from C5 through C7." He does not believe this is the cause of my symptoms but he said this could possibly be indicative of a syrinx and I should either see a neurosurgeon now or repeat the MRI in 6 months.

My questions for those with experience in the diagnosis process:
Do I want to see a Neurologist or a Neurosurgeon?
Does "dilatation of central canal" mean syrinx?
How quickly do the symptoms worsen?
After diagnosis, how quickly is treatment done?
How do you know if it is congenital or related to trauma?

[*Stormy*]

Just wanted to add...that if you can get a referral to a Neurosurgeon...do so!! I didn't get any answers from any DRs until I saw a NS!!!

I don't have syrinx so I don't have personal experience but I agree a dilation (or widening) of the spinal cord would indicate a syrinx. It is not something that you would want to leave for too long..

I hope you find the right dr for you!

Carolyn

[selmaS]

Yeah, I am sure not knowing will drive u nuts and not really help u all that much.....and the medical profession is slow moving unless u develop an emergency issue....it took 1 1/2 yrs from dx to surgery for me.

Not by choice, but till I found the right dr for me and more info on what I had.

I wish u luck in locating ur dr, and remember PLEASE research all drs on our list to find the right one for u.

"selma"

[bridget999]

Thank you for the info. Also I want to thank you for encouraging people to compile a list of good doctors. This is very helpful! I suppose I will just go ahead and get it checked out sooner than later so I can just get it off my mind.

Bridget

[selmaS]

HI  and welcome to the chiari forum.

A syrinx can be congenital or acquired from an injury such as u explained above...further testing by ur dr will give u a deff dx and inform u if it was a smaller congenital syrinx that the injury triggered into growth...or, if the syrinx is acquired from the injury itself.

From what I read a syrinx can be defined as a dilation of the central canal.

Treatment most times is for pain and or symptoms and the syrinx is monitored as most times they r too small for a shunt or stent.

U may want to get a definitive dx and see how the dr feels is best to proceed. A syrinx if large enuff can put pressure on the nerves and cause possible perm damage.....so do have it looked at to see if indeed urs is one that can be monitored.

Good luck
"selma"