Syringomyelia due to cervical spondylosis with an atypical sensory deficit – A rare and unusual presentation

Syringomyelia is a rare neurological disorder that is progressive and characterized by the formation of a fluid-filled cavity in the spinal cord. Causes of this condition may be congenital or acquired, however, the latter can rarely occur due to cervical spondylosis. Here we report a presentation of syringomyelia in a 59-year-old man with gradual onset weakness and muscle wasting along with atypical sensory deficit of affected temperature but intact pain modalities in upper limbs. The MRI of the cervical spine confirmed the presence of a syrinx from C2 to D2/D3 levels associated with degenerative cervical spinal disease with canal stenosis. Surgery remains the primary treatment modality for symptomatic disease although this patient opted for complementary medicine. This case underscores the importance of considering degenerative spinal disease as an aetiology for syringomyelia and to embark on early diagnosis and individualized management strategies to prevent irreversible neurological damage.