Cervicomedullary syndrome: anybody have this diagnosis?
 

I've posted before about having a lot of degenerative disc disease and bulging discs in the c-spine. I also have damaged alar transverse ligaments, probably from a whiplash injury (car accident 30 years ago). Today my neurosurgeon, after an extensive exam, said I have cervicomedullary syndrome -- damage/irritation to the medula on account of neck dysfuction. I have facial and tongue tingling (irritation to CN 5) and a little bit of orthostatic hypotension (damage to CN 10).

Anybody familiar with this condition and if so, what are some good treatment options?

I also have herniations at L5-S1, which cause tingling in feet and leg weakness, although perhaps the weakness can be attributed to c-spine issues too. Thoughts?

I just received an MRI report last night that says I have the same thing. I found your post when I did a search for cervicomedullary flattening to see exactly what that meant.

I highly recommend chiropractic and massage. Follow what ever the chiropractor recommends for treatment & find a good massage theraphist to see twice a month. They have both helped me tremendously over the years. Part of my neck and back injury is from 1975 but 6 months ago I was rear end by a vehicle going 50 mph while stopped at a stop light. Since then I've been in horrible pain with numbness in legs, arms and hands and muscle spasms in my back.

Craniocervical Instability
 

You likely have craniocervical instability and need a fusion of occiput to C2. My daughter has this also and is currently trialing a neck collar to see if stabilization will help her. Chiropractic manipulation is not recommended and could cause a lot more problems.

I see this post is from 2009. I hope your neurosurgeon steered you in the right direction and you are doing well.