Based on the diagnosis and the likely cause of the syrinx, a neurological surgeon may recommend a procedure to normalize the cerebrospinal fluid flow around the craniocervical junction or within the spinal column. Treating the cause of the disruption in the flow of CSF will restore the flow to normal and help treat the syrinx.
In cases where there is no identifiable cause for the syrinx, the neurological surgeon will review the options with the patient and recommend a treatment plan.
Surgical options include:
It is important for patients to discuss the goal of surgery with their doctor. It may not be possible for the syrinx to be fully removed, so the goal of surgery may be to prevent further symptoms from developing, or to stop the progression of the syrinx.
Reviewed by Jeffrey Greenfield, Ph.D., M.D.
Last reviewed/last updated: April 2021
