Initial Management at Presentation
- Identify etiology: The management of syringomyelia is focused on identifying the associated condition that is the underlying cause of the syrinx (2-4, 9).
- Treat underlying condition: The underlying condition is the usual focus of initial management of the syrinx (2-4, 9).
- Asymptomatic patients managed expectantly: Asymptomatic patients with small syrinx cavities are best managed with watchful waiting and serial imaging.
Adjunctive Therapies
- None
Follow-up
- Continued follow-up recommended: Treatment failure for syrinxes can occur, and continued follow-up is recommended.
- Imaging 3–6 months, then yearly: An MRI is obtained 3–6 months postoperatively to verify resolution, then yearly. If the syrinx is being managed conservatively, yearly scans are recommended.
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