Syringomyelia?

Hello, several months ago while I was been treated for chronic upper thoracic back pain and scapular dyskinesia, a syrinx was found on my spine in the T7 to T10 area. My doctor didn't seemed concerned and said it had probably been there for a long time. I want to know if it should be monitored? My doctor says no, but what I've read about this suggests otherwise. In addition to that, I am now wondering if what was once thought of as carpral tunnel in my right hand is that at all, as I have it in both arms and hands, (feeling of numbness, tingling). I think that it warrents at least yearly monitoring but maybe I'm being overly paranoid. Any suggestions would be great.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

A syrinx, which is a cavity in the spinal cord, is typically an incidental finding on imaging. It would be important for you and your physician to determine the etiology of the syrinx, such as ruling out a spinal cord tumor or Chiari malformation. If these are present, a referral to a neurosurgeon may be necessary. However, a syrinx may develop secondary to trauma or be a congenital condition that will not cause any problems.

There is no standardized approach in monitoring a syrinx. If present on one neuroimaging and stable months to years later, frequent monitoring is probably not necessary.  

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.