A 22-year-old member asked:
Is it bad to have water in your spinal cord?
5 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Praveen Prasadanswered
Neurosurgery 45 years experience
Sometimes...: Everyone has "water" in their heads and spine called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid looks like water, is created in the brain and circulates around the brain and spinal cord, nourishing and protecting the central nervous system. Rarely, this fluid can enter the middle of the spinal cord; if the pressure rises enough it can cause spinal cord injury. Google "syringomyelia" for more information.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Larry Armstronganswered
Neurosurgery 29 years experience
Not necessarily: Water in the spinal cord is usually indicative of a "syrinx" which means there is a fluid collection in the spinal cord. The important part of a syrinx is to have an MRI if possible and
an appointment with a neurologist or neurosurgeon to see if you have any symptoms attributable to the fluid in your spinal cord. These may occur from trauma, tumor, or present
at birth.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. K.C. Brewingtonanswered
Neurosurgery 28 years experience
Not Always: There are a number of conditions that may be termed 'water in my spinal cord' . Common finding is an enlarged central canal that is a normal variant and requires no treatment. True syringomyelia can be caused by a number of pathologies including hydrocephalus, chiari malformation and less commonly a tumor. I would recommend that you seek a referral to a neurosurgeon to get this sorted out.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Nalinaksha Joshianswered
Neurology 25 years experience
No: Spinal cord and around it normally and is called cerebrospinal fluid csf.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Edward Smithanswered
Neurology 56 years experience
In it or around it?: "water" ie cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a normal condition to have around the spinal cord. In fact not having CSF around the spinal cord may signal the presence of severe narrowing of the spinal canal, potentially a surgical condition. Water in the spinal cord as in in internal cavity (cyst or syrinx) is always abnormal. If you have fluid in your spinal cord see a neurosurgeon.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 11, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
