Cervical MRI results showing small syrinx

[scotslass]

Hi,Could you please help me understand my MRI results. I have been having symptoms of tingling down left arm and also radiating to face ,ear and back of head. I also feel a crawling sensation up the left side of my back over my shoulder. I had a MRI done recently of the Cervical Spine , with pre and post contrast, that showed a straightening of the cervical lordosis - A small Syrinx (1.1cm in length and 0.4cm in diameter) at the T1-2 level (has note could mean  C1-2). It says it causes very slight expansion of the cord. It also says there are Mild disc bulges posteriorly at the C3-6 levels cause effacement of the thecal sac and very minimal indentation on the cord without frank compression. No formidal stenosis or nerve root compression is identified. A Brain MRI was done also which was normal. My question is is the syrinx too small to cause these symptoms and should i be concerned about having a syrinx? I have read some alarming things about them but don't want to worry unnessecarily. I look forward to your response.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
A syrinx is a tubular cavity within the spinal cord. A syrinx may enlarge and destroy the spinal cord causing pain and weakness in the neck, back, shoulders, arms and legs. Abnormal sensations particularly in the hands also occur.
Surgery is the only treatment for syringomyelia. Not all patients need surgery; it depends on the extent of symptoms and the discretion of the neurosurgeon.
Hope this helps!

[scotslass]

Thankyou for your reply. I have not seen a neurosurgeon, but have seen a pain management specialist. I am currently going to Physical Therapy as he said my neck is very tight and i have inflammation so he wants to work on that 1st. He said he can not tell me for sure that the cyst is causing the symptoms or not yet. My concern is that in the MRI results it says that there is slight compression on the spinal cord. I have been told that any compression is not good. Is there anything i can do to avoid it getting worse if it is the cyst?

[scotslass]

Hi I have had some new symptoms start and i was wondering if they could be related to the syrinx possibly growing. It is in my thoracic spine area. I wake up often at night with pain all around me in the middle of my back. I feel like its a band around my body, i also feel a tingling down under my shoulder blades. I have also been feeling like i am still wearing my bra after i have taken it off. It's a really weird sensation. I have been having hand problems for a while. In the mornings my fingers are hard to bend  and they hurt. When i had an MRI done they only did the lower back, cervical, and brain following seeing a small syrinx in my cervical region. I hope someone can give me an idea.