What are the symptoms of a thoracic syrinx?
Symptoms may include:
- pain.
- progressive weakness in the arms and legs.
- stiffness in the back, shoulders, neck, arms, or legs.
- headaches.
- loss of sensitivity to pain or hot and cold, especially in the hands.
- numbness or tingling.
- imbalance.
- loss of bowel and bladder control.
How do you check a syrinx?
An MRI of your spine and spinal cord is the most reliable tool for diagnosing syringomyelia. An MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of your spine and spinal cord. If a syrinx has developed within your spinal cord, your doctor will be able to view it on the MRI .
What happens if a syrinx bursts?
Pressure builds in the syrinx until it enlarges and ruptures, damaging normal spinal cord tissue and injuring nerve cells.
Can a syrinx cause chest pain?
A syrinx may cause the following symptoms: Pain (sometimes severe, and usually concentrated in the neck, upper back, and shoulders; pain may occur in the lower back, stomach, or chest if the syrinx is located lower in the spinal cord) Weakness, especially in the hands and feet.
Can a syrinx cause dizziness?
This occurs if the syrinx extends into the medulla of the brain stem. The cranial nerves become affected: Facial sensory loss can occur as the trigeminal nerve becomes involved. Vestibulocochlear nerve involvement causes vertigo and nystagmus.
Can a syrinx cause neck pain?
Syringomyelia is usually slowly progressive, but rapid onset can occur. Common symptoms include pain in the neck and shoulders. Pain may also affect the arms and hands and may be described as a burning, tingling or piercing sensation.
Does syringomyelia affect breathing?
In some cases of syringomyelia, the cyst grows into the brain stem and interferes with vital functions such as breathing and heartbeat. This complication is called syringobulbia. Some of the symptoms of syringobulbia may include: swallowing difficulties.