The syrinx at T8 would not explain all of your symptoms, and should not cause stomach symptoms. A myelogram is a safe procedure. The major side effects are a possible reaction to the dye, and a spinal fluid leak. In the past a different contrast agent was used which caused more severe reactions. I would agree with the neurologist and investigate a more systemic cause such as connective tissue disease, arteritis, sarcoid, and infectious diseases (such as lyme). Good luck.
I was also diagnosed to have a syrinx in my thoracic cord. Five months ago, because I had a right butt and lower back pain, MRIs were ordered. A long but small syrinx cavity was found in my thoracic cord. It extends approximately from T5-6 to T10. No history of trauma. No evidence if Chiari malformation. No evidence of pathologic enhancement to suggest the presence of tumor associated with syrinx. Brain and lumbar MRIs were normal.
The symptoms I have now include: butt and lower back pain, shoulder blade area pain, arm and hand pain, hand finger stiff and swelling sometimes. All the symptoms are worse on right side. Recently, I feel weakness in my right arm and leg and a little muscle wasting in my right upper arm and shoulder. In addition, I have a feeling of "insect crawling" on my back, arms and hands sometimes , as well as twitching, tingling in the hands, arms, back and legs when I am at rest.
The neurologist I saw here gave me a complete neurological and some other examinations, as well as lab tests, including CBC, CMP, ESR, CPK, aldolase. Thank God, they were all normal, except that ANA was 1:40-80. EMG, nerve conduction and evoked potential were normal. The doctor said this tiny syrinx is of no clinical significance.
If this is true, I have a few questions here: what is the possible reason that causes all of my symptoms? (Especcially considering that the syrinx is located at T5,6-T10, this is not supposed to affect my arms and hands or the legs). I am so worried about the weakness and the muscle wasting, and the ANA. Is lupus a possible reason?(I had an appointment with a rheumatologist last week, the doctor said I don't have it). Since MR scans were done at least four months ago, is it possible that the syrinx cavity gets enlarged quickly? Does anybody have an idea on my case? I am so scared and so focused on any symptoms that happened on my body that I can hardly lead a normal life. Any information and suggestion would be appreciated from the bottom of my heart.
hi, well i also have syrinx of the cervical spinal cord at the c level and extending into the thoracic spinal cord and is a nightmere this past three years i started with a severe pain in my shoulder, once in a while now is all the time and my left side of my face , neck and arm are numb and my arm is also very weak, thats all my symptoms.
i have an appoiment this month to see what the suregeon said,i wonder if i can go back to work with this problem?