It Could Be Syringomyelia – A Treatable Spinal Cord Disorder
Persistent neck pain, unexplained muscle weakness, or tingling sensations in your arms and hands can significantly affect your quality of life. While many attribute these symptoms to age or lifestyle, they may be early signs of Syringomyelia — a progressive and potentially serious condition affecting the spinal cord.
Fortunately, with the right diagnosis and expert treatment, Syringomyelia is treatable. Here’s everything you need to know — from symptoms and causes to diagnosis and where to seek help.
🧠 What is Syringomyelia?
Syringomyelia is a rare but serious neurological condition where a fluid-filled cavity or cyst (called a syrinx) forms within the spinal cord. Over time, this syrinx can enlarge, damaging the spinal cord and surrounding nerves, resulting in chronic symptoms that gradually worsen if left untreated.
🧬 What Causes Syringomyelia?
Several underlying issues can lead to syrinx formation:
Chiari Malformation: The most common cause, where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal.
Spinal cord injury (old or recent trauma)
Tumors in or near the spinal cord
Meningitis or other inflammatory diseases affecting the spinal cord
Congenital abnormalities of the spine or skull
⚠️ Recognizing the Symptoms Early
Symptoms of Syringomyelia often progress slowly and may vary depending on the size and location of the syrinx. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent long-term nerve damage.
Most Common Symptoms:
Chronic neck and shoulder pain
Weakness in the arms, hands, or legs
Numbness or loss of temperature sensation, especially in the upper body
Stiffness in the back and extremities
Muscle wasting (atrophy)
Loss of reflexes
Painful sensations like burning or tingling
In advanced stages: Bladder and bowel dysfunction
If you notice any of these symptoms — especially in combination — consult a neurosurgeon immediately.
🏥 Diagnosis: How is Syringomyelia Detected?
Expert diagnosis begins with:
Detailed Neurological Evaluation: Assessing muscle strength, reflexes, and sensory functions.
MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): The gold standard for visualizing the syrinx, its size, and the exact spinal cord location.
In some cases, CT myelography or additional spinal studies may be used.
An accurate diagnosis is key to designing an effective treatment strategy tailored to the patient.
🧑⚕️ Meet the Expert: Dr. Dilip S. Kiyawat
Dr. Dilip S. Kiyawat, a distinguished M.Ch. (Neuro) Neurosurgeon, specializes in diagnosing and treating complex spinal cord conditions like Syringomyelia. With years of clinical and surgical experience, Dr. Kiyawat is known for his patient-centric approach, advanced diagnostic precision, and successful outcomes.
Why Choose Dr. Kiyawat?
👨⚕️ Expert in Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery
🧪 Utilizes Advanced MRI-based diagnosis
🎯 Offers Personalized Treatment Plans
🏥 Practices at two well-equipped hospitals in Pune
🛠️ Treatment Options for Syringomyelia
The treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition.
1. Observation & Monitoring
In mild or asymptomatic cases, regular monitoring with MRIs and clinical follow-ups is sufficient.
2. Surgical Treatment
When symptoms are progressing or severe, surgery is often required to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and restore CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) flow:
Syrinx Drainage or Shunting: To remove fluid and shrink the cavity.
Decompression Surgery: Common in Chiari malformations.
Removal of Tumors or Scar Tissue if contributing to fluid blockage.
3. Postoperative Care & Physiotherapy
After surgery, physical rehabilitation, pain management, and long-term follow-up are essential to maintain function and prevent recurrence.
🧠 Final Words: Don’t Ignore the Signs
Neck pain and numbness are more than just inconveniences—they could be your body’s way of signaling a deeper issue like Syringomyelia. Fortunately, with expert guidance and early diagnosis, effective treatment is possible.
Take the first step toward recovery. Trust your spine with the hands of an expert—Dr. Dilip S. Kiyawat.