HI and welcome to the Chiari and Syringomyelia forum.
Ray gave u some good info, but I wanted to add that in addition to a syrinx forming from a CSF blockage due to chiari or it being congenital, it can also be the result of an injury to the back...a fall, a MVA....even if u got hit playing ball.....
I do wonder, were u checked for chiari? or tethered cord?
Glad to have u join us,but sorry for the reason u had to seek us out.
"selma"
hi my daughter has a 9mm syrinx in her T6-T11 spinal cord,its her lower back and effects her lower extremeties.its a condition that needs to be monitored and as long as you are aware and under consultants care and tell them what you are experiencing.proper treatment should be given.surgery of any kind to do with the spinal cord is probably the last resort.you should be having mri,s and monitoring before surgery is even considered.i wish you luck
A Syrinx at this level should not be causing problems in your face and head.
With a DX of a Syrinx (Syringomyelia) it is important to find out what if any thing is causing the Syrinx formation. A Syrinx forms in most cases when there is an obstruction off CSF flow (as in Chiari Malformation) however some cases are congenital. You would be best advised to get a NS who has experience of SM. Surgery will depend on what is causing the Syrinx, the size and if it is compressing the spinal cord. Good follow up is important as they can expand over time.....
Ray
Has your dr not recommended surgery? If it was me I would get the decompression surgery done pretty soon. From what I have read the cyst like you have causes permanent nerve damage and if left untreated could even cause paralysis?
Best wishes to you, keep us posted