Monday, Ashlyn will go in for a few more tests at Duke. The first is another MRI to see if she has a syrinx. The first MRI wasn't low enough to see if this exists or not so they have to repeat the MRI. Here is a brief description:
Syringomyelia (sih-ring-go-my-E-lee-uh) is the development of a fluid-filled cyst (syrinx) within your spinal cord. Over time, the cyst may enlarge, damaging your spinal cord and causing pain, weakness and stiffness, among other symptoms.
Syringomyelia has several possible causes, though the majority of syringomyelia cases are associated with Chiari malformation, a condition in which brain tissue protrudes into your spinal canal. Other causes of syringomyelia include spinal cord tumors, spinal cord injuries and damage caused by inflammation around your spinal cord.
The pediatric neurosurgeon also wants to do a test to see how the spinal fluid is flowing. The first MRI showed some blockage with the fluid, but this test will be more specific.
Depending on the results of the MRI and the flow of the spinal fluid, the surgeon might have to adapt the surgery a little. We will know more next Tuesday when we get the results and meet with the doctor.
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