Treatment:

The goals of treatment are to stop the spinal cord damage from getting worse and to maximize functioning. Surgery to relieve pressure in the spinal cord may be appropriate. Physical therapy may be needed to maximize muscular function.

It may be necessary to drain the fluid build up. See: Ventriculoperitoneal shunting

Expectations (prognosis):

Untreated, the disorder gets worse very slowly, but it eventually causes 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:

Without treatment, the condition will lead to:

• Continued or progressive loss of neurologic function
• Permanent disability

Possible complications of surgery include:

• Postoperative infection and other complications common to all surgeries

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of syringomyelia.