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Warning-sign checks

Syringomyelia: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, choking, sudden paralysis, or a major new neurological change.

    These symptoms are not typical of every case, but they require immediate assessment.

    Emergency care is not usually needed simply because an MRI shows a syrinx without a sudden change in your condition.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    If you already have syringomyelia, contact your care team promptly when symptoms are new or clearly worsening.

    This includes increasing weakness, more frequent falls, spreading numbness, new swallowing difficulty, or changes in bladder or bowel function.

    Seek urgent medical assessment for rapidly worsening weakness, sudden difficulty walking, new loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to pass urine.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you develop ongoing numbness, unusual loss of pain or temperature sensation, unexplained hand weakness, muscle wasting, stiffness, balance problems, or headaches triggered by coughing or straining.

    Routine follow-up remains important when symptoms are stable.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Syringomyelia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.