Question 1

what are the meanings of hydromyelia and syringomyelia?

Accepted Answer

Spinal cord fluid: Hydromelia means an abnormal collection of fluid within the spinal cord & connected to 4th ventricle within the brain and usually associated with hydrocephalus (xs fluid within the brain). Syringomyelia is also a collection of fluid, like an elongated cyst, in the center of the spinal cord itself, but does not communicate with any other fluid filled spaces, & can also lead to loss of nerve functio.

Question 2

what are the major signs and symptoms of syringomyelia?

Accepted Answer

Spinal cord problems: Syringomyelia is a cavity of fluid within the spinal cord. It is not always symptomatic. It is most commonly present without an obvious cause but may be related to trauma, infection, hindbrain abnormalities, and tumors. It presents with weakness or numbness of the arms or legs, gait difficulties, pain in the extremities, scoliosis, ataxia, or atrophy. Signs include in addition, reflex changes.

Question 3

will you die from syringomyelia? is it possible that even though i'm experiences symptoms due to syringomyelia but drs won't do surgery due to risks?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Syringomyelia will not kill you unless it due to a global condition called hydrocephalus or the result of a tumor (in which case the tumor is more dangerous).  If it is from trauma or the way you born it is most likely not going to progress.

Question 4

which medication to control symptoms of syringomyelia is most effective?

Accepted Answer

Syringomyelia: The symptoms most common associated with syringomyelia are neuropathic pains and best to see a neurologist who deals in pain management as they can be quite helpful in treating these symptoms. Rarely is the pain completely gone but it can certainly made more tolerable.

Question 5

what could be some alternative/natural treatments for syringomyelia?

Accepted Answer

Surgical treatment: Syringomyelia is a disorder where spinal fluid is trapped within the spinal cord, this is a serious condition and more common problems such as a chiari malformation, or a history of trauma need to be ruled out. Surgery might be needed depending on the severity of symptoms. I know of no alternative treatments that have work.

Question 6

bit of a weird one. been diagnosed with idiopathic syringomyelia c5-c7 after mri scans. but all symptoms point to hemiplegic migranes. ever seen this?

Accepted Answer

Yes: These are separate, likely totally unrelated issues, but there is no reason they can't be seen in the same patient. I had a 15 yo kid that did something very similar.

Question 7

are there drugs to treat syringomyelia?

Accepted Answer

Not really: The standard of care for managing syringomyelia is to decrease pressure effects that could cause the syrinx (spinal cord cyst) to expand. Avoid valsalva (bearing down, holding your breath) and control high blood pressure-- you may take stool softeners or medications for high blood pressure, but ultimately the syrinx may require decompression with a shunt procedure.

Question 8

what is the cause of "idiopathic syringomyelia"?

Accepted Answer

Idiopathic=dont know: Unfortunately, the term "idiopathic" means that there is no clear underlying cause.  Once a cause has been identified, it is no longer an idiopathic disease.  (as a side note, i was told by a mentor that the term "idiopathic" means that the doctors are idiots because they can't figure it out yet.).

Question 9

is there a good exercise that helps syringomyelia?

Accepted Answer

No answer possible: What sort of exercises you can do, whether they will help or make things worse, will be determined by where the cyst is, how badly it impinges on the cord,  how large it is, etc..   You need to discuss this with your neurosurgeon.  You can not get a good answer from someone who is not familiar with you and your specific condition.

Question 10

what is surgery for syringomyelia like?

Accepted Answer

Fix the cause: Usually the surgery is meant to address the cause of the syringomyelia which is an expression or the result of another abnormality. That could be a structural problem with the brain or spinal cord, a compression or a tumor. In general the idea is to then wait and see if the syrinx goes away, only in select cases surgery for the syrinx itself is recommended

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Doctor answers about:

What are some of the symptoms of hydromyelia and syringomyelia

A member asked:

What are the meanings of hydromyelia and syringomyelia?

A member asked:

What are the major signs and symptoms of syringomyelia?

A member asked:

Will you die from syringomyelia? is it possible that even though i'm experiences symptoms due to syringomyelia but drs won't do surgery due to risks?

A member asked:

Which medication to control symptoms of syringomyelia is most effective?

A member asked:

What could be some alternative/natural treatments for syringomyelia?

A member asked:

Bit of a weird one. been diagnosed with idiopathic syringomyelia c5-c7 after mri scans. but all symptoms point to hemiplegic migranes. ever seen this?

A member asked:

Are there drugs to treat syringomyelia?

A member asked:

What is the cause of "idiopathic syringomyelia"?

A member asked:

Is there a good exercise that helps syringomyelia?

A member asked:

What is surgery for syringomyelia like?

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