What is a post traumatic syrinx?

Posttraumatic syringomyelia (PTS) refers to the development of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) filled cavity within the substance of the spinal cord. As the name suggests, this particular type of syringomyelia occurs after a previous trauma with or without clinical spinal cord injury.

Can a syrinx be caused by trauma?

Development of PTS can occur at any age, and may begin at any time after traumatic SCI. Cases are reported as early as 1 month or as late as 45 years following injury. The risk of syrinx development within 5 years following traumatic SCI is greater in persons over age 30 years.

Can a syrinx go away by itself?

Untreated, syrinxes tend to expand over time, though some remain stable or even disappear. Unfortunately, it is not always clear which course a syrinx will follow. Syringomyelia is also known as hydromyelia.

Can you exercise with a syrinx?

A person with syringomyelia needs to avoid any activities that create undue stress or strain on their spine. Such activities include heavy lifting, high-impact exercises or contact sports – like football and aerobics – and anything that forces them to strain themselves.

Is a small syrinx serious?

In some people, syringomyelia can progress and lead to serious complications. Others have no symptoms. Possible complications as a syrinx enlarges or if it damages nerves within your spinal cord include: An abnormal curve of your spine (scoliosis)

What is the life expectancy of someone with syringomyelia?

Syringomyelia life expectancy Natural history of syringomyelia still is not well understood. Although older studies had suggested that 20% of patients died at an average age of 47 years, mortality rates are likely lower in today’s patients as a result of surgical interventions and better treatment of complications associated with significant

Can syringomyelia go away without treatment?

In the absence of symptoms, syringomyelia is usually not treated. In addition, a physician may recommend not treating the condition in individuals of advanced age or in cases where there is no progression of symptoms. However, people should be carefully monitored by a neurologist or neurosurgeon as symptoms can worsen over time.

How serious is Syrinx?

Due to normal activities like coughing and straining, SM cavities can slowly become larger over a period of time, often years. As the syrinx gets larger, it stretches the spinal cord and damages nerve tissue. Damage to nerve tissue can result in serious and/or disabling symptoms. Syringomyelia can also be known as hydromyelia.

Is excess thirst a sign of post traumatic stress disorder?

We’ve recently identified post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a potential risk factor for developing dementia. PTSD is caused by traumatic experiences such as childhood trauma, war or being