smalll syrinx grew

[Carrie226]

I have spina bifida occulta and family history of Chiari, I fortunately do not have Chiari but was diagnosed with a small syrinx C5-T1.  I had cervical fusion done earlier this year and 6 weeks post surgery began having extreme foot pain, leg numbness and bowel incontinence.  Since then I have had follow up MRI's showing the syrinx now runs the entire length of my spine.  I now have bowel and urinary incontinence, pain in feet and wrists into my fingers.  My neuro says the syrinx is too thin to be causing my symptoms...but really could this all be coincidental that these symptoms progressed at the same time my syrinx lengthened??? Went for a EMG today on legs and feet and was told my nerves look fine...I am starting to feel like I might be crazy????

[selmaS]

  Most Drs that r not Chiari specialists will say that...all u need to know is , is it  creating a CSF obstruction...the size does not matter...clinically significant my eye...how about the symptoms that brought u to have the MRI in the first place...I can not stand these Drs that go by an outdated book of info on something instead of what they see in front of their eyes.,...ugh....it is significant.,..and they need to do more testing.,

Keep pushing for answers....find a Dr that knows Chiari or work with ur PCP and get him up to speed on Chiari and related issues....but push for more answers,

[Carrie226]

Thank you for your input.  I did find out that that MRI report shows a 1-2mm herniation but is told it is not clinically significant.  

[selmaS]

Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

I am so sorry u r dealing with all of this,,,,and it does seem coincidental that it is all happening at the same time.

May I ask, do  u have copies of ur MRI's and the report so u can get a 2nd opinion? The reason I ask is many Drs will say no Chiari bcuz u do not fit their criteria to be considered chiari, which many Drs use the length of the herniation....instead of the malformation of the skull.

Even a minimal herniation can cause issues and the formation of a syrinx.....so with ur family history I would  want another opinion.

I do not think u r crazy either,...but Drs can make us feel that way.