I have spinning sensation in the head with a small syrinx in the MRI spine. Kindly help.

Hello doctor,

I have cervical spondylosis, tinnitus, and middle ear problem for the past few years. I had a spinning sensation when I got up from bed in the early morning. So I approached my Ortho and he has taken an x-ray of the cervical spine and told me that some of the discs are degenerated/fused. It is BPPV and referred me to an ENT. He has prescribed Stugeron and Vertin. Then after four days, it subsided. Later the Ortho suggested an MRI of the cervical spine see the present status of the discs. Accordingly, I have undergone an MRI. The radiologist mentioned that there is a small syrinx in the size of a tiny rice grain.

My Ortho referred me to a Neurologist. Regarding syrinx, the Neurologist said that this might be a cyst since a tumor in that region at this age of 70 is rare. Even if it is a cyst, it will grow over time, and sometimes people may not know about the cyst's presence in their body and will pass off their life. He also said that the syrinx is very small, and you need not think of surgery or whatsoever and forget about it until and unless I experience symptoms. Then I can go for further evaluation and a contrast MRI, as the present cyst is asymptomatic. Also, he told me that it does not appear to him as a syrinx. So I just left the matter there.

So far, seven long years have passed without a symptom. I have never experienced a headache at any time or weakness in the limbs. I have type II diabetes, BPH, BPPV, thyroid, and tinnitus for ten years, and IHD and BP for more than 40 years. I am taking medicines for IHD, BP, diabetes, and BPH. All are under control. I am now 75 years old.

Firstly, I wish to know your valuable opinion on the case, and secondly, I want to know the commonest symptoms that the patients with this syrinx/cyst come to you so that I can keep an eye on this.