The Doctors Lounge - Neurology Answers
"The information provided
on www.doctorslounge.com is designed to support, not replace, the
relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her
physician."
Back to Neurology Answers List
Question: Syrinx
| mrsdanskin
- Thu Jan 25, 2007 5:14 pm |
I need some answers to my questions and possible help. Approximately 3 ½ years ago I started experiencing some symptoms of numbness and tingling in my hands. It was only periodically and didn’t really bother me so much. I got pregnant and the last two weeks of my pregnancy both arms became numb and I had a pins and needles sensation. I was told that it was probably carpal tunnel and given arm braces to wear. I had my son and my symptoms disappeared.
Then approximately 8 months ago the symptoms came back but with a vengeance. I have been experiencing pins and needles in arms and hands, vertigo, Headaches, Back pain, Neck pain, etc. One day I woke up and the right side of my face felt numb, swollen, and on fire. I was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia and prescribed Gabapentin which has helped. I am only 31, no family histroy, so they thought I should see a neurologist.
I have had the following tests and these are the results are below:
08/22/2006 EMG – Mild non-specific EMG change in the right APB; otherwise normal study, if symptoms persists then repeat study in 3-4 months.
11/27/2006 – MRI Brain with and without contrast – Low B value images demonstrate a focus of susceptibility within the posterior superior frontal gyrus, likely a coursing vessel. Axial post contrast images demonstrate artifact overlying the posterior fossa. However, no gross evidence of the lesion is seen on the T2 or fair weighted sequences. Everything else is normal.
01/05/2007 – MRI Cervical Spine Neuro with and without contrast – Mild straightening of the normal cervical lordosis is present. Mild degenerative disc disease is present. The T2 sagittal images display minimal prominence of the central canal extending from C4 through C7/T1. Expansion of the central canal extending from mid T2 vertebral body level through to at least T4 with minimal vague surrounding T2 signal hyperintensity is present. The prevertebral soft tissue demonstrate a left retropharyngeal and high lateral retropharyngeal Lymph nodes the largest measuring 1.
6 cm SI x 6 mm AP only seen on the sagittal images. Recommended MRI in 1 month to document stability
C4 – 5 Mild left uncavertebral osteophytosis is present. What does this mean???
01/22/2007 – MRI Thoracic Spn Nuero with contrast and without – Syrinx in the thoracic cord from T 6 through T10 which measures about 2mm in diameter. There may be another small syrinx in the upper thoracic spine at T2-3, which is not evaluated on the axial images.
I have also had a spinal tap but was not given the results of this test but I am in the process of requesting the results. The neurologist that I was seeing stated that this issues noted have no correlation with my symptoms and that I should see a Psychiatrist because she felt that it was Depression manifesting in a physical way.
I need a second opinion on this because on the results of my MRI it states that it is recommended that I have an additional MRI in one month to document stability. CAN any of this cause my symptoms? I apologize for the length of this requestion. I appreciate your time. Thank you, Theresa
|
| mrsdanskin
- Sat Jan 27, 2007 1:08 am |
I was hoping that someone would at least respond to me in some way. I didn't really think anyone would as I have not had any positive feedback regarding what is going on with me.
If my symptoms get any worse then I will not be able to walk or take care of my child.
Please, someone provide some kind of feedback.
Symptoms:
Headaches
Vertigo
Clumsiness (extreme)
muscle spasms
Musle tightness - causes pain when trying to move as if I am stiff
Numbness, Pins and needles upper extremities
Burning sensation - like I have a bad sunburn
My lower back is killing me - almost feels like when I was in labor with my son except I am not pregnant!
Has anyone ever heard of Depression causing these symptoms?
Any feedback appreciated.
|
| Theresa Jones, RN
- Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:13 am |
 Hi mrsdanskin,
I may not be able to answer all of your questions but I will attempt to assist to the best of my ability. Let me begin regarding Depression. Depression may exhibit a wide array of symptoms but I would not automatically conclude, in my opinion, that this condition is the causative factor for your symptoms. Osteophytes are small bony growths (so to speak) bone spurs, that may appear in different bones/joints/spine. Bone spurs may be located in different regions of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) and different symptoms arise. Depending on the location, I.
e. lumbar, lower Back pain, weakness in the legs, stiffness etc. may occur. Osteophytes can be considered a precursor to Osteoarthritis. Syrinx in the thoracic cord, in my understanding, is essentially a fluid filled cavity, and may cause tingling, numbness, weakness, etc. If you have not had any other diagnostic studies, I.
e., labwork, myelogram, etc. then I would suggest that you inquire about additional studies, even if that means having a second opinion from a different Neurologist. I hope this has been somewhat helpful. Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Theresa Jones, RN
|
Check a doctor's response to similar questions
 send
to a friend
|
