Does no syrinx mean no obstruction?

[Natasha42]

Hi
I am sure I have read something about this on this board somewhere but I can't find it.
I have got a chiari with the herniation down to C2. Main symptom is dizziness. I haven't got a syrinx, so does that mean there is no csf blockage?
Thanks

[selmaS]

  Hi...u can have a CSF obstruction with out a syrinx...I had obstruction and no syrinx, surgery b4 one develops is helpful...u do not want one to form.

SO if if u an obstruction the way to prevent a syrinx is to restore flow with surgery.

  Syrinx's can be very slow to develop, once started tho, they can grow either rapidly or slowly...there is no way to know.

Hope this helps : )

   "selma"

[jenshead]

The flow of CSF can be effected by the Chiari itself.  Also, there can be any degree of flow...not just blocked/not blocked.  From what I've heard, straight up blockages are very very painful.