Small syrinx which is asymptomatic at C4 and C5 level

[vedanth1942]

I am 70 year old man from India. I have recently undergone  an MRI scan for cervical spine under the advise of ortho for cervical spondylosis.  On 23.12.2011, I have taken an MRI. Incidentally a small syrinx is observed at C4 and C5  level by the Ortho. The size of the syrinx is  like a small rice grain. The Ortho refered me to a neurosurgeon. He asked me to take a contrast MRI. I have never had any symptoms  like weakness in hands and legs or severe headache or not even headache. But i used to have stabbing pain in between the shoulder blades behind the back on the left side even 30 years ago.I used to have burning sensation in the ribs also at that time.I have been given some pain killer and it subsided.Even now at time s i get stabbing pain on my back  between the shoulder blades. I do not know whether these are related to a syrinx or not. I feel this syrinx must have been there since 30 years .Regarding my medical history:-I had IHD in the year 1977. I had mild hypertension in the year 1980.Prediabetic since 2010. Had subclinical hypothyroidsm in 2011. There are no complications with either my heart or hypertension or diabetes or hypothyroidsm . All are under control with medicines. Now my question is, since i did not have any symptoms, can the cyst be dissolved with medicines, as the surgery has inherent risks? I have asked my neurosurgeon whether i can wait  for 3 months and then undertake a contrast MRI to see whether there is any progress or not as there are no symptoms. He said since  it is asymptomatic , i can wait for a period of 3 months and then go for a contrast MRI. As I am in the advanced age, do you think that the surgery is not suggestiable? Can the cyst be treated with medicines? Kindly advise

[vedanth1942]

Since an year passed  when i have by chance come to know that a small cyrinx is at   c4 level .    I have so far not had any symptoms related to  my syrinx and i am quite hale and healthy except my vertigo .

[linnielou232]

Wanted to welcome you and say I also agree with Selma.  I would just keep an eye on it and I am also curious if you have been dx'd with Chairi?
Wish you the best.  

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari/Syringomyelia forum.

If u do not have symptoms, it may be best to monitor the syrinx to be sure it is not growing...and keeping tabs on symptoms if and when they should start.

I am curious if they felt ur syrinx was acquired from an injury or a obstruction of CSF?? Many times  it can be from the obstruction due to a congenital condition called Chiari....the syrinx is usually treated by treating the chiari and doing a PFD surgery this allows more room for the CSF to flow and the syrinx to shrink....

Did u have a brain MRI as well as a cervical spine MRI? Some of the symptoms u had but say subsided could be chiari related and since symptoms can cycle u could be in a down cycle where u do not have many symptoms...if this is not affecting ur over all health or quality of life, there  is no need to consider surgery,......

Make sure u get copies of ur MRI and the report and get the opinion of a true Chiari specialist...most will treat syringomyelia as well as they r related conditions.

   "selma"