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707040 tn?1473944794

Syrinx and syring questions (after surgery)

Hi all,
So, my pressing question is regarding the development of a syrinx or syringo (sp?) after a decompression surgery. My son had the decompression done four years ago and had a large herniation.  Prior to surgery, they imaged his entire spine as well and found NO syrinx or tethered cord.  My question is:  can that develop AFTER a decompression surgery when it wasn't there before surgery? Any input would be appreciated. He is scheduled with Dr. Iskandar tomorrow - just having night before jitters I guess. Thanks.
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707040 tn?1473944794
Thanks for the info - actually, have two separate people with issues, son and partner.....the second post was re partner's symptoms, has had shunt for three years and this just started.  My son has had the ongoing back pain etc....
Well, Thursday they both have appts so hopefully know more then. Thanks for letting me know.
Helpful - 0
707040 tn?1473944794
Thanks for the info Selma.  I'm hoping for answers, but also hoping we aren't looking at 2 with the same issue! Yikes - they will have to have surgery and stay in the same room if that happens! Take care
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  A syrinx can develop post op from scar tissue...so it is possible that a syrinx did indeed form.

Nething that obstructs CSF flow can cause a syrinx to form.....I have bulging disks that my NS is obstructing CSF flow....especially if I turn my head a certain way, so I am not allowed to drive...as it could cause a drop attack too.

Depending on where the syrinx formed it could  cause many of the symptoms u mentioned.

let me know if u have trouble finding the article on shunts in my journal.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi
I feel bd to read that your son is experiencing such symptoms .,I know it feels bad when one expects constant improvement and encounters these problems midway ..but dont lose heart .

I sincerely pray that your son starts feeling better soon..

Reg you question on syrinx

I wish to say that some time back I had a msg from a fellow chiarian from ***** (world arnold chiari malformation association)... through  online ... saying she did not have any syrinx prior to surgery(she has had several MRIs before surgery )  and developed  one after surgery., it seems that  the dr treated it using shunt .,with another surgery .

sorry ..I dont have her particulars or the msg ..

take care .



Helpful - 0
707040 tn?1473944794
Thanks - I will try to find your notes.
It is a VP programmable, not sure of manufacturer though.  
We went into ER due to :  confusion, memory loss, head pain at shunt site, sensitivity to light, nausea/vomitting.  They did xray of shunt and tubing, CT of head.  They had the ophthalmologists in three times to examine - and ended up sending home.
Since then, it's gotten worse - emotional, from bouts of anger for no reason, to crying, to at moments almost acting in a meek/childlike manner.  Then there are times when it's fine.
Also, feeling of walking off balance (but not, is walking ok, but slower, cautious), lower back pain into the legs - severe at times.
I almost wondered if it could possibly be a syrinx from the shunt....
I don't know - but with two having issues at once, it's been tough. I don't even know if syrinx could come from shunt issues or not. But, see NS on 10-3....
Any thoughts? I'll check for your journals and thanks.  
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi, I know a lot with shunts do have issues with them as they can clog and malfunction......they can also have issues with IPads as they can mess with the settings on the programmable shunts.

I also know there was a recent recall on one type of shunt....not sure what it was but I know someone that had to have it removed.

Shunts may malfunction or take time to find the right setting...I do have an article posted in my journals on shunts, not sure it will be of ne help tho....

But ask about the type of shunt and if it was part of a recent recall, that is the best I can offer.....
Helpful - 0
707040 tn?1473944794
Thanks for info - I believe EDS was looked into before and he didn't have any symptoms of it.  

He is getting MRI tomorrow, then back to dr on Thursday.  We'll take disk with us to appt, so they'll have right away.

My partner is also having problems and going Madison same day, different NS, for second opinion.  Thankful they could do both on same day!!  Do you know much about shunts?  She has VP shunt and I believe it's only working intermittently or is on the brink of shunt failure.  Last time went to ER (major teaching hospital in Milwaukee) and came up with nothing! Ugh!  Any thoughts or info/direction at all on that?  
Thanks!
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  No EDS ehlers- danlos is different from tethered cord, although those with EDS are more likely to have tethered cord.

Glad he got to see his Dr....hoping some answers are found with the MRI's
Helpful - 0
707040 tn?1473944794
is that tethered cord? If so, then yes they did.  He nothing other than the chiari (as if if that isn't enough, lol) prior to his surgery.
Dr. Iskandar saw him today, ordered MRI of full spine, checking for syrinx. So he will see him again next week, guess we will know then.  
Today he told doc that he always has at least a 4 level pain and "just deals with it" until it gets really bad. Hoping for some answers soon, as we all are.
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648
COMMUNITY LEADER

  Hi...yes it can...I believe u mentioned he may have had scar tissue develop...and scar tissue can cause a CSF obstruction which can lead to the formation of a syrinx or syringomyelia.....

Did they rule out Ehlers-danlos b4 surgery for him?

Helpful - 0
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