Tiny syrinx in neck area

[ploggin]

I am approximately 30 years old and recently had an MRI done on my neck because of vague pains and aches in this area, a myriad of symptoms such as headache, nausea, tinnitus, hand swelling and tingling, etc.  I was hoping that some light may be shed on my problems.

The study ended up being somewhat limited due to movement (which was only caused by breathing but it is very sensitive), but everything looked ok to the radiologist, except a tiny syrinx was noted between C4-5 and C-7 vertebrae.  The results were provided to my doctor, and he has said not to be concerned with this.

Normally I probably would not be concerned, but with all my chronic symptoms which are making me sick, I wonder if it is important or not.  I had meningitis when I was a small child and was involved in an altercation around 3 years ago in which I likely sustained some sort of whiplash.  Both trauma and meningits could be causal factors in this.  Also, from my understanding, the formation of a syrinx is very rare (8 in 100,000 people), so I wonder if it warrants more concern or attention.  Anybody had or heard of anyone with this?

Thanks

[lucidus]

I concur - you need a neurologist who is interested in the cause and your situation rather than how bad the thing looks in the image.  I would suggest a neurologist rather than a neurosurgeon sonce nothing seems significant enough to warrant the risk of surgery.  Syrinx requires a cause, if the effect (the syrinx)is not treatable then perhaps you should be working with a neurologist who might be able to locate something that can be causative that might respond to treatment in your neck or head area.

Regards,

[cathy31]

You should make an appt. with a neoro surgeon for a consult. This should not be taken lightly.