Diagnosing Syringomyelia

So you suspect you have Syringomyelia? Where do you go from here?

First you must see your general practitioner you trust to refer you to a neurologist who specialises in this condition. It is helpful to bring relavant literature and a list of symptoms. You will see a neurologist who will fill out your full medical history (writing your medical history and symptoms down earlier is helpful) After which basic neurological tests will be performed to asses your functioning levels. Some neurologists are not well versed in this condition so may dismiss it. Request an MRI is one is not suggested. MRI's are the best diagnostic tool to check for or rule out syringomyelia. A FULL spinal MRI is the best to go for as it will cover your entire spine. Also see if you can request a head MRI to help figure out the cause of syringomyelia. 

During the MRI you have your head locked into place by a plastic head guard to prevent movement and covered with a sheet as its cold. You will also get earplugs, as MRI’s are very loud and sound like jackhammers. The MRI will be used to see any cyst formation (syrinx) and causes of the syrinx.

Before you go in ask if they are able to copy your scans onto a CD. Most places will do this free of charge and only takes a few minutes. This will save you time and money later if you need to send off scans. You will then either have to wait for a few hours to pick up the radiographer report or they will be sent to your neurologist – you will be informed on the day.

You will then go back to your neurologist for the follow up appointment who will read the scans and report and make a diagnosis based on that and your medical history. If you are diagnosed then a referral to a neurosurgeon is often the next step so they can discuss possible surgical interventions.

As this time in your life will be very emotional recording your appointments or bringing someone else along can be very helpful for remembering information during this time.