Prognosis in syringomyelia

To improve the prognosis of patients diagnosed with syringomyelia, regardless of the underlying cause of the pathology, it is necessary to monitor oneself and avoid possible increases in intra-abdominal and intracranial pressure. It is advisable to avoid strong coughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects, and avoid intense sports.

Even after surgery, the patient should regularly consult with a neurologist – at least annually.

Prognosis for life

It is important for patients diagnosed with syringomyelia to avoid hypothermia in every possible way. Self-medication is contraindicated for them, even for uncomplicated colds, which should be treated by a doctor, provided that the patient follows all recommendations and stays in bed. A visit to the doctor is mandatory, even if the temperature has risen slightly, a runny nose has appeared, or there is a slight sore throat.

A ban is imposed on any heavy physical work, and especially that which involves being outdoors in cool and damp conditions.

Physical education and sports exercises are completely contraindicated, even at a mild stage of the disease.

It is important to protect affected limbs and body parts from damage: cuts, burns, etc. Due to impaired tissue trophism, such damage often heals poorly, transforming into ulcers.

Patients suffering from syringomyelia should completely give up smoking and drinking alcohol. It is important to ensure a high-quality and nutritious diet rich in protein foods (fish, greens, dairy products), vitamins (berries, vegetables and fruits). In addition, it is necessary to establish a work and rest regimen, allocate enough time for night sleep (8-9 hours).

It is important to remember that avoiding physical overload does not mean that sick people should lead a sedentary lifestyle: syringomyelia “does not like” extremes. Walks in the park or forest (on foot, not running), light gymnastic exercises, strengthening and hardening procedures, sea and pine baths will be useful. If you follow all the doctor’s recommendations, the prognosis for the disease becomes much more favorable, and the development of syringomyelia slows down. [ 1 ]

Exemption from physical education in case of syringomyelia

Expressed physical activity is contraindicated for patients with syringomyelia. Walking, skiing, light gymnastic exercises are allowed. Running, jumping, strength and static exercises are excluded.

It is important to remember that hypodynamia is as harmful as heavy physical activity. Therefore, sick people need to find a "golden mean" and remain active without overloading the body and, in particular, the spine, abdominal and chest cavities.

Syringomyelia and Disability

The frequency of disability registration as a result of syringomyelia is about 3% among all disabled people with organic pathology of the nervous system. Disability is assigned to patients in 80% of cases (most often we are talking about the second group of disability, somewhat less often about the third group, and even less often about the first group).

Only medical and social experts can recognize a patient with syringomyelia as disabled. The state of health is assessed according to specific criteria, which become the basis for assigning a group. In some cases, disability may be denied.

A family doctor can refer a patient to a commission. To prove an existing health problem, the patient must provide discharge summaries, certificates and documents confirming the presence of pathological disorders in the body, as well as symptoms that prevent a person from living and working normally. [ 2 ]

Syringomyelia and the army

Young people with confirmed degenerative pathologies of the central nervous system of hereditary or acquired origin, as well as neuromuscular diseases in which organic changes are present, are exempt from military conscription. Such diseases usually develop in one of two ways:

• progress slowly, manifesting themselves with minor, vague clinical signs;
• show no progress over several years of continuous medical observation.

If a patient is diagnosed with syringomyelia, which does not manifest itself in dissociated sensory disorders, is not accompanied by trophic disorders such as muscle atrophy, etc., then he may be considered fit for military service. In the presence of persistent clinical symptoms, and especially if the patient's condition worsens, he is exempted from the army.

When passing the draft board, a conscript suffering from syringomyelia must provide documents on fixed visits to a neurologist. If the disease is accompanied by disorders of consciousness, this must be documented. Confirming documents are considered to be certificates from "emergency medical care", from the attending and other doctors, which indicate the patient's regular visits regarding this disease. If such documentation is missing, the conscript may:

• take into the army;
• send for additional diagnostics.

Experts recommend thinking about preparing for conscription in advance. This is facilitated by timely contacting doctors, collecting all the necessary documents, attached to the conscript's personal file. Syringomyelia itself, which is not accompanied by clinical symptoms, does not give the right to exemption from military service.