Doc declines surgery on patient

October 27, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: My wife is 83-years-old and in fairly good health. A few months ago her left leg started bothering her. Two doctors told her it was arthritis. Plain films and MRIs showed that there was a cyst on her spine. They advised no surgery due to paralysis that could happen because of where the cyst laid.

Her symptoms are leg and back pain and weakness with a feeling of water running down her leg. This is very bothersome. She has seen an orthopedist, had physical therapy with no help for her symptoms and has also had chiropractic treatments. Is there anything that can be done to help her?

DEAR READER: Arthritis and other degenerative diseases can result in the body producing excess synovial fluid that can build up within the joint, creating a synovial cyst. [Read more...]

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Teen has spinal cyst

April 11, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: My 16-year-old granddaughter has recently been diagnosed with stage 1 syringomyelia. From what I have read, the prognosis is not good. What can you tell me about this disorder? My granddaughter is a high-school junior. She is very intelligent, works hard, and is even taking college-prep classes.

DEAR READER: Syringomyelia is a disorder in which a cyst, known as syrinx, forms within the spinal cord. Over time, the cyst enlarges and elongates, destroying the center of the spinal cord in the area where it forms.
In many cases, syringomyelia is also associated with a congenital abnormality known as Chiari I malformation, a condition in which the part of the brain called the cerebellum protrudes into the neck portion of the spinal canal. Trauma, meningitis, tumor, arachnoiditis or hemorrhage may result in the development of a syrinx. In rare instances, the condition is inherited.
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