Bobby Jones CSF: Ask the Expert with Dr Ulrich Batzdorf

Help share more videos like this by donating to Bobby Jones CSF: https://bit.ly/bjcsfdonate SEE TIMESTAMPS FOR QUESTIONS BELOW While Chiari malformation has become known over the past decade as a much more common disorder, syringomyelia remains considerably more rare. It is also potentially more serious if left untreated. Dr. Ulrich Batzdorf is a pioneer in the study of syrinx diagnosis and treatment, who currently sees patients in the clinic at the University of California - Los Angeles. Dr. Batzdorf leads an in-depth discussion about syringomyelia: what is a syrinx? How does it form in the spinal cord? What do Chiari malformation and tethered cord have to do with syrinx development? What is the difference between "syringomyelia", "hydromyelia" and a "residual central canal"? Dr. Batzdorf answers all these questions and additional questions posed in real-time by patients and caregivers. This presentation was given on Thursday, June 11, 2020 and was presented entirely online. (2020) Note from Bobby Jones CSF: We want to take a moment to sincerely thank all those who donated in support of this virtual presentation. No one at the organization was expecting that much generosity during such a difficult time for us all. From the bottom of the hearts of our boards, staff and volunteers, we want to thank you for your donations. Your kindness continues to motivate us and makes us all the more certain that this work is valuable and helping the people who need it. Thank you. For more information and educational materials, visit our website: https://bobbyjonescsf.org Connect with Us: Facebook:   / bobbyjonescsf   Twitter:   / bobbyjonescsf   Instagram: http://instagram/bobbyjonescsf 1:40 – Dr. Batzdorf introduction 4:31 – Why Dr. Batzdorf is interested in syringomyelia and the history of syringomyelia study? 6:40 – Some basics: what are the meninges and the cerebrospinal fluid? 12:40 – What causes Chiari malformation? 15:15 – Primary spinal syringomyelia 16:33 – Primary spinal syringomyelia caused by injury or scarring 17:55 – Primary spinal syringomyelia caused by obstruction of CSF flow or compression 19:15 – Arachnoid cysts 20:00 – Tumor cyst vs. syrinx caused by tumor 20:44 – Typical description of a syrinx 22:14 – Dilated central canal vs. syrinx 24:10 – If a dilated central canal, then what are the symptoms from? 25:39 – Does a dilated central canal mean someone is more likely to develop a syringomyelia? 27:17 – How do we think a syringomyelia is formed? 30:23 – How do we think about treatment of syringomyelia? What about shunts? 32:53 – Complications: meningitis and adhesions 34:36 – Can Chiari symptoms worsen after a trauma (car accident), etc.? What about strain? 38:29 – Do you recommend waiting to operate if a patient has a syrinx? Do you operate right away? And when decompressing, what is your take on opening dura or resecting tonsils, etc.? 44:19 – Does syringomyelia always go away after surgery? Or, is it normal for it to sometimes stick around after surgery? 45:53 – Can syrinx cause something like seizure or other neurological symptoms? 51:20 – Can something like bone spurs cause symptoms similar to Chiari by blocking CSF flow? 53:24 – Can anterior cervical discectomy be an appropriate treatment for a syrinx? 54:31 – Possible role that tethered cord plays in the size and symptoms of syringomyelia? Would detethering help? 58:54 – Is there a connection between Chiari, closed spina bifida, cancer and/or autonomic symptoms? 1:02:42 – If there is one thing you could do to change neurosurgical care for connective tissue disorder patients, what would it be? 1:04:13 – If before surgery, symptoms would resolve with a cervical collar or similar treatments, would this be okay post-surgery, too? Any considerations for scoliosis? 1:08:01 – Do you recommend Chiari patients have genetic testing for connective tissue disorders or anything else? 1:09:04 – Do we know the percentage of people with spinal cord injury who end up developing syringomyelia? 1:11:23 – If a patient is still symptomatic after surgery, what else can that patient do? 1:15:36 – Conclusion