Page "Syringomyelia" Paragraph 21

In some patients it may also be necessary to drain the syrinx, which can be accomplished using a catheter, drainage tubes, and valves.

This system is also known as a shunt.

Shunts are used in both the communicating and noncommunicating forms of the disorder.

First, the surgeon must locate the syrinx.

Then, the shunt is placed into it with the other end draining cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF ) into a cavity, usually the abdomen.

This type of shunt is called a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and is particularly useful in cases involving hydrocephalus.

By draining syrinx fluid, a shunt can arrest the progression of symptoms and relieve pain, headache, and tightness.

Without correction, symptoms generally continue.