Neurology question about spinal cord dilation/syrinx/syringomyelia?

Two months ago, I started having head pains/neck pains/muscle twitches/some numbness and weakness of extremities. I had an MRI which showed a dilation of the central canal of the spinal cord most consistent with a 'syrinx'. If you are familiar with 'syringomyelia' you know it is very dangerous, etc. Today I went for my first visit to a doctor, a neurosurgeon. He looked at my MRI and said this was 'normal' and just something I was born with and is not what is causing my symptoms. He said the 'dilation' measures about 2mm wide/4mm long. My question is, is it possible he is right and this is nothing to be worried about or is it just that this problem is so rare he probably isn't well educated on the horrific effects it can potentially have if allowed to progress? I do have a history of neck trauma, it has been about 10 years ago. Today is also the first day in 2 months that I have not had head pain and the muscle twitching is decreased by 75% - hopefully it will stay this way!

Hi nobodygal. You sound like somebody special to me!

About ten years ago, I too developed symptoms like yours (after a car accident) that led me (I am a Chiropractor) and my neurologist to suspect a syrinx. Fortunately my MRI did not find one.

It never hurts to get a second opinion if you have doubts about your diagnosis. So, it may help you to feel more comfortable about this possible condition if you see a second neurologist.

The symptoms you describe can be the long term consequence of your previous neck trauma. Your family Chiropractor can help you evaluate this possibility.

I have another thought on this for you. I have discovered (after a great deal of research) that part of my symptoms (that are similar to yours) are the result dental work I had done at about the same time as my car accident (thus, I did not see the correlation at the time because I naturally blamed the significant neck injuries I sustained as the only cause of my progressively worsening symptoms). Root canals and tooth extractions can cause 'silent' infections and necrosis in the bones (maxilla or mandible) where the surgery was performed. These chronic 'osteonecrotic cavitations' can become a source of toxins and bacteria that spread into other areas of the body (e.g. nervous system, muscles, blood stream, etc.). So, if you have had any extractions or root canals, consider the possibility they are involved in your symptoms. Note: these low-grade infections and/or necrosis are often 'silent', that is, they produce no local symptoms.

Lastly, heavy metal toxicity (mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, etc.) is very common today and can cause damage to the nervous system that may create the types of symptoms you are experiencing. If you and your docs conclude you do not have a syrinx, these metals should be tested for.

I hope I haven't given you too much to digest. Best wishes and good luck.