Syringomyelia
Understanding the Condition & Finding Lasting Relief
What Is Syringomyelia?
Syringomyelia is a chronic spinal condition where a fluid-filled cyst, known as a syrinx, forms within the spinal cord
Over time, this syrinx can expand, damaging the spinal cord and leading to pain, weakness, and neurological symptoms. Syringomyelia can develop due to various underlying conditions, including Chiari malformation, spinal trauma, meningitis, or spinal tumours.
The progression of syringomyelia varies from patient to patient. Some individuals may experience mild symptoms that remain stable, while others may develop worsening neurological deficits over time. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent permanent spinal cord damage.
How Syringomyelia Impacts Your Life
Syringomyelia can progressively interfere with daily activities, mobility, and overall quality of life:
Loss of Strength & Coordination – Affects hand function, making everyday tasks more challenging.
Chronic Pain & Nerve Dysfunction – Disrupts work, social activities, and sleep.
Mobility Limitations – Weakness and stiffness may make walking or movement difficult.
Risk of Permanent Spinal Cord Damage – Without treatment, syrinx expansion can lead to irreversible nerve impairment.
Common Causes of Syringomyelia
How Mr Gordan Grahovac Can Help
As a Consultant Neurosurgeon & Complex Spinal Surgeon in London, Mr Grahovac specialises in diagnosing and treating syringomyelia using a patient-centred approach. He provides expert care to relieve symptoms, prevent disease progression, and improve quality of life through a combination of non-surgical, minimally invasive, and advanced surgical treatments.
To accurately diagnose syringomyelia and determine the best treatment plan, Mr Grahovac will conduct:
Medical History & Physical Examination – Evaluating neurological function, pain levels, and motor control.
MRI with Contrast – The most reliable imaging test to detect syrinx formation, assess size, and determine underlying causes.
CT Myelography (For Complex Cases) – Provides detailed imaging of CSF flow obstruction when standard MRI findings are unclear.
Neurological Testing – Checking reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation to determine the extent of spinal cord involvement.
His Diagnostic Process:
Treatment Options for Syringomyelia
Mr Grahovac and the teams he works with take a holistic approach to your treatment, considering the severity of your symptoms, underlying condition, and overall well-being to create a personalised plan that promotes long-term relief and spinal health.
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Postural & Ergonomic Advice – Encouraging proper sitting, sleeping, and daily movement to reduce spinal stress.
Physiotherapy & Strengthening Exercises – Focused rehabilitation to improve posture, mobility, and muscle function.
Pain Management Strategies – Includes anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, and neuropathic pain treatments.
Avoiding Straining Activities – Avoid heavy lifting, prolonged straining, or activities that worsen symptoms.
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CSF Flow Monitoring – Monitoring the syrinx to see if there is any radiographic evidence of progression.
Physical Therapy & Assistive Devices – Bracing or supportive devices may help stabilise posture and manage weakness.
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Minimally Invasive Syrinx Drainage (Aspiration) – A guided procedure to temporarily relieve pressure by draining excess fluid from the syrinx.
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Chiari Decompression Surgery (For Syringomyelia Linked to Chiari Malformation) – Removes part of the skull or spinal bone to improve CSF circulation.
Syringopleural or Syringosubarachnoid Shunting – Involves placing a small shunt (tube) to drain excess fluid from the syrinx into another body cavity, such as the pleural space or subarachnoid space, to prevent fluid buildup.
Spinal Decompression Surgery – If syringomyelia is caused by a spinal tumour, bone spurs, or severe stenosis, decompression surgery may relieve pressure.
Dural Reconstruction or Expansion Surgery – When necessary, expanding the dura (the protective layer around the spinal cord) may improve CSF flow and reduce syrinx formation.
What Patients Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions: Syringomyelia
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Syringomyelia can cause chronic pain, numbness, weakness, and coordination issues, particularly in the arms and hands. Symptoms may worsen over time if the syrinx expands.
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In some mild cases, the syrinx remains stable and does not require intervention. However, progressive cases usually require medical treatment to prevent spinal cord damage.
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Non-surgical treatments – Symptom improvement can take weeks to months.
Surgical treatments – Recovery varies depending on the procedure but typically ranges from 6 weeks to 6 months, with gradual improvement over time.
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Syringomyelia is not usually life-threatening, but if left untreated, it can cause permanent spinal cord damage and disability. Early intervention improves outcomes.
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Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity:
Mild cases – Regular monitoring, physiotherapy, and pain management.
Progressive cases – Surgical options such as Chiari decompression, shunting, or dural expansion may be necessary to restore CSF flow.
Take the First Step Towards Relief
Syringomyelia doesn’t have to limit your life. Whether you need conservative management or advanced treatment, Mr Gordan Grahovac is here to help.
Book a consultation today and start your journey towards lasting relief.