I have been diagnosed as having a condition called Syringomyelia and surgery has been recommended but I have been putting it off. However lately I have been having some unexplained sensation on fingers and legs and the stabbing pain on my back. My neck on the right is causing me discomfort and my right ear at times gives me some sort of pain which is comes and goes off. Doctors have advised not to exert myself but my work involves being on the computer. Is this surgery necessary what are the risk factors. My doctors have not had a patient like my condition although they have had patient on trauma conditions but mine is what they deem it to be birth defect. I do not understand why such a defect is only discovered now when I am aged 50. Thank you for your reply. Rgds Mm Anthony
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service. I have read your query. Most likely yours is Chiara type 1 malformation. It is true that this condition is there from the birth, but in some point it becomes symptomatic, in such setting, surgery (posterior fossa decompression) is advised. This for two reasons:1- to improve your condition and 2- to prevent worsening. Complications are similar to the other surgical procedures done under general anesthesia. Discuss with an experienced Neurosurgeon for these issues. Hope this helps. Feel free to ask if you have further questions.