What is a Syrinx of the Spinal Cord?

What Is a Syrinx of the Spinal Cord?

I am Dr. Aaron Workman and I am a team member of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated car accident medical care facilities in Kentucky. We recently had a case from a motor vehicle accident where a patient had a possible incidental finding on their MRI of a syrinx. As with anything that is found unexpected, the patient became rightfully worried, and after some discussion we gave a referral so it could be properly addressed and possibly monitored. Let us go over what a syrinx is, some of the causes, and the symptoms you may experience if it is symptomatic.

What is a Syrinx:

This particular finding is a fluid-filled cavity, like a cyst, that forms within the spinal cord. This abnormal pocket of fluid can disrupt the function of the spinal cord. The fluid that fills a syrinx is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This is the same type of fluid that usually surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord. For a healthy person, this fluid circulates throughout the spinal cord and brain. In some cases, the fluid collects in the spinal cord itself, which in turn creates the syrinx. The development of a syrinx can lead to pressure on the surrounding soft tissue, impairing the way the spinal cord works and causing damage over time. This is often a slow and progressive process, but it can vary depending on the size and location of the syrinx.

What Causes a Syrinx:

The causes of syrinx forming can vary. There is a condition called Chiari Malformation, where part of the brain extends into the spinal canal, which can block CSF and cause it to accumulate as a syrinx. A syrinx may also form following a spinal cord injury, tumor, or infection. It can also be linked to congenital abnormalities of the spinal cord.

Symptoms of a Syrinx:

These may include arm or leg muscles being weak, noticing a loss of sensation in certain areas of the body and even decreased ability to feel temperature changes with the hands. Some may have chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, or back, or even stiffness and difficulty with movement. Headaches may become worse with sneezing or coughing. Finally, with worsening of condition you may also have bowel and bladder problems.

How to Know:

Diagnosing a syrinx involves advanced imaging, typically magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This allows for a detailed picture of the spine that can show the fluid-filled cyst. Once found, you may receive another more specialized MRI with contrast for better clarity.

A syrinx in the spinal cord can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Depending on the cause, severity and the individual, its symptoms can also vary. Even if there are no symptoms, once found, it should be further investigated so it can be monitored for a longer term. It is always important to get examined by a healthcare professional following a motor vehicle accident. At Chambers Medical Group our goal is to take care of our patients so they can get back to their daily routines.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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