Ask a Neurologist
10.07.2008 - MS and thoracic syrinx
- Question:
I am 34 years old and I was diagnosed with MS in November of 2007. I am currently taking Copaxone injections daily. In the past month I have had pain and numbness from my belly button all the way around to my spine just on my left side. I have severe pain in my ribs when I get tired, especially at the end of the day. I seem to feel a little clumbsy and my left foot seems to catch on the floor when I am walking, like I am not picking it up all the way. I went to my neurologist and she ordered a MRI. The MRI showed evidence of a central cord syrinx beginning at T6-T7 extending to T8-T9. It was recommended that I have a contrast enhanced follow up study to make sure there is no cord lesion as etiology for the syrinx. I can not find (online) anywhere that suggests MS lesions would cause a syrinx. Could this be possible? Or could it be coming from something else and not my MS?
- Reply:
Syrinx is usually not the result of MS, it might be a result of something else such as compression of the spinal cord or traumatic lesion of the spinal cord in the past. Did you ever had an accident or other kind of trauma?
- Consultant:
- Dr E.A.C.M. Sanders, neurologist
