What is a cystic lesion on the spine?
Synovial cysts are abnormal fluid-filled sacs in joints in the spine. These cysts are benign, which means they are not cancerous. Synovial cysts typically develop as a result of degenerative changes that occur with aging. They can be found throughout the spine, but are most common in the lumbar region (low back).
What do lesions on spinal cord mean?
A spinal lesion is an abnormal change caused by a disease or injury that affects tissues of the spinal cord. Symptoms include pain, abnormal sensations, loss of motor skills or coordination, or the loss of certain bodily functions.
What causes a cyst on the spinal cord?
The cause of spinal cysts is unknown, but they may result from degeneration and instability of the spine in areas subjected to repetitive motion, particularly the joints in the lumbar region. Patients with spinal cysts may have other degenerative conditions of the spine, such as arthritis and disk disease.
What disorder causes lesions in the spinal cord?
MS is a neurological disease. It causes the immune system to attack and destroy myelin — protective fatty tissue that surrounds nerve cells. This process, called demyelination, forms lesions in areas of the central nervous system, including parts of the brain and spinal cord.
Is a spinal cyst serious?
Are Spinal Cysts Dangerous? Spinal cysts are known as a benign, non cancerous lumps, which means that they are, inherently, not harmful to your body. However, the symptoms they cause can dangerous depending on their size and location.
Do spinal cysts go away?
Treatment options for spinal cysts These treatments are often effective at providing temporary relief, and in many cases, drainage of the cyst will cause it to go away on its own. Though uncommon, some cysts will not go away and will continue to cause problems such as pain, numbness or weakness.
Can a synovial cyst cause paralysis?
Rarely, a facet joint cyst can lead to cauda equina syndrome, a serious condition which can lead to paralysis and loss of bladder and bowel function. This may be permanent if not treated emergently.
What is the treatment for spinal lesions?
When the tumor can’t be removed completely, surgery may be followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy or both. Recovery from spinal surgery may take weeks or longer, depending on the procedure. You may experience a temporary loss of sensation or other complications, including bleeding and damage to nerve tissue.