Between March 1993 and August, 2002, three hundred sixty-two people had surgeries at Craig Hospital for cystic and noncystic myelopathies. Most of the group, 311 individuals, had single surgeries; 44 underwent two surgeries; and 7 had three.
Comprehensive Motor and sensory testing was done using the American Spinal Injury Association’s (ASIA’s) International Standards for Neurological and Functional Classification of Spinal Cord Injury. The same testing was performed 7-18 months post surgery and again 19-30 months and 31-42 months later. Although investigators have not finished the analysis, the results are encouraging. Follow-up testing indicates neurological function in these individuals is stable and they are not continuing to lose motor or sensory function.
“Although symptoms from post-traumatic spinal cord cysts are not common, we advise our clients to closely monitor their neurological status, Sensory Level, and muscle strength,” says Susan Charlifue, Ph.D., one of the study investigators at Craig. “For instance, if you notice you’re burning yourself with hot water, when before you were able to determine a safe temperature, it may be a warning sign.”
Signs and symptoms of a spinal cord Cyst or tethering include the following:
* Change or loss of sensation and/or muscle function
* Increased sweating or unusual sweating pattern (e.g.; sweating only when lying in a specific position, sweating only on one side of the face or neck, or profuse sweating)
* Change in Spasticity
* New pain or change in typical pain patterns
* Autonomic Dysreflexia (hyper-reflexia)
* One pupil appears larger than the other
Several of these symptoms, like increased sweating, may occur in other problems associated with SCI. However, significant loss of sensation or muscle function strongly suggests a change in the spinal cord. The changes may develop gradually. You may notice it is more difficult to do some everyday activities, such as holding a cup or dressing yourself. You may notice a change in your balance or find areas of your body where you had sensation and now you do not.
If you notice significant changes, contact your physician. Give him/her specific information about these changes. Your doctor may ask you to come in for a check-up, which will include an evaluation of your muscle and sensory levels.
For more information about this research study, contact Dr. Charlifue at Susie@craighospital.org.
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