Syringomyelia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Syringomyelia?
A neurologist (a doctor who treats brain and nerve diseases) or a neurosurgeon (a surgeon who operates on the brain and spine) usually monitors and treats syringomyelia. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is syringomyelia?
Syringomyelia is a nerve disorder in which a fluid-filled cyst forms inside the spinal cord. The cyst is called a syrinx. A syrinx can grow big enough to damage the spinal cord. It can also injure the nerve fibers that carry messages between the brain and the body. The fluid is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the watery liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. A syrinx usually forms when the normal flow of CSF is disturbed. It is a long-lasting (chronic) condition, and a syrinx can expand over time. Syringomyelia is rare.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the syrinx forms, how large it is, and how long it extends. The disease usually gets worse slowly, but it can sometimes start quickly. Symptoms can include:
- Pain that may last a long time
- Weakness in the arms and legs that gets worse over time
- Stiffness in the back, shoulders, neck, arms, or legs
- Headaches
- Loss of the ability to feel pain or hot and cold, especially in the hands
- Numbness or tingling
- Loss of balance
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- Curvature of the spine (scoliosis), which may be the only symptom in children
Some people have no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they often begin in early adulthood.
Causes and who gets it
Most cases are linked to a Chiari malformation. In a Chiari malformation, brain tissue extends through the hole at the bottom of the skull. It reaches into the spinal canal and blocks the flow of CSF. Spinal cord injuries, spinal cord tumors, and swelling (inflammation) around the spinal cord may also cause it. Meningitis can cause it too. Meningitis is swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, usually from an infection. Tethered cord syndrome can also cause it. This is a condition present at birth in which the spinal cord is attached to tissue in the lower spine. In some cases, the cause is unknown.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor will review your medical history and do a physical exam that focuses on how your nerves work. The doctor will also order scans of the spine or brain. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is the most reliable way to diagnose syringomyelia. An MRI can show whether a syrinx is in the spine or whether another problem, such as a tumor, is present.
Treatment
Treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are and how fast they are getting worse. If there are no symptoms, a syrinx is usually not treated. A neurologist or neurosurgeon should still watch the person closely, because symptoms can get worse over time. Surgery is the main treatment. Doctors usually recommend surgery when syringomyelia causes symptoms or keeps getting worse. The goal of surgery is to get rid of the syrinx and prevent more spinal cord injury. When a Chiari malformation is the cause, surgery makes more space at the base of the skull and upper neck. If a tumor is the cause, removing it almost always gets rid of the syrinx. If there is no Chiari malformation or tumor, it may be necessary to drain the syrinx. To do this, a surgeon puts in a drain called a stent or shunt. It lets the fluid flow to another part of the body, where it can be absorbed. Syringomyelia can come back after surgery, so more operations are sometimes needed. Medicines can help ease pain. A person with syringomyelia should avoid straining activities, such as lifting heavy objects or jumping, because these actions can trigger symptoms.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, stiffness, or loss of balance that does not go away. If symptoms appear, it is best to seek treatment sooner, because delaying treatment may lead to permanent spinal cord damage. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have sudden weakness or a sudden change in vision. Do the same for trouble breathing or fainting. Do the same for an injury to your head or spine.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can help you watch for worse symptoms. They can also coordinate care with the neurologist or neurosurgeon who monitors the syrinx.
Common questions
What causes syringomyelia?
Most cases are linked to a Chiari malformation, where brain tissue pushes into the spinal canal and blocks the flow of CSF. Spinal cord injuries, spinal cord tumors, meningitis, and tethered cord syndrome can also cause it.
Does syringomyelia always need treatment?
No, because if syringomyelia does not cause symptoms, it is usually not treated. A neurologist or neurosurgeon should still watch the person closely, since symptoms can get worse over time.
Is surgery the main treatment for syringomyelia?
Yes, surgery is the main treatment. Doctors usually recommend it when syringomyelia causes symptoms or keeps getting worse.
Can syringomyelia come back after surgery?
Yes, it can come back after surgery, so more operations are sometimes needed.
Sources
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Syringomyelia
- MedlinePlus - Syringomyelia
- National Organization for Rare Disorders - Syringomyelia
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
