Treatment:

The goals of treatment are to stop progression of spinal cord damage and to maximize functioning. Surgical decompression may be appropriate, if there is an identifiable mass compressing the spinal cord. Physical therapy may be needed to maximize muscular function.

Expectations (prognosis):

Untreated, the disorder is very slowly progressive, but it eventually results in severe disability. Surgical decompression usually stops the progression of the disorder, with about 50% of people showing significant improvement in neurologic function after surgical decompression.

Complications:

• Postoperative infection
• Other surgical complications
• Continued or progressive loss of neurologic function
• Permanent disability

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicating syringomyelia are present.