Sryngmologia

What is syringomyelia?
Syringomyelia is a disorder in which a fluid-filled cyst (called a syrinx) forms

within the spinal cord. Over time, the syrinx can get bigger and can damage the
spinal cord and compress and injure the nerve fibers that carry information to the
brain and from the brain to the rest of the body.
In syringomyelia, the watery liquid known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—which

normally surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord—builds up within the
tissue of the spinal cord, expands the central canal and forms a syrinx.
Generally, a syrinx develops when the normal flow of CSF around the spinal cord or
lower brain stem is disturbed. When syrinxes affect the brain stem, the condition
is called syringobulbia.
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What are symptoms of syringomyelia?
Symptoms of damage to the spinal cord vary among individuals according to where the
syrinx forms, how large it is, and how long it extends. Symptoms develop slowly
over time and may occur on one or both sides of the body. Symptoms may include:
pain
progressive weakness in the arms and legs
stiffness in the back, shoulders, neck, arms, or legs
headaches
loss of sensitivity to pain or hot and cold, especially in the hands
numbness or tingling
imbalance
loss of bowel and bladder control
problems with sexual function
curvature of the spine (scoliosis) that may be the only symptom in children.
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What causes syringomyelia?
Syringomyelia may have several possible causes but most cases are associated with
Chiari malformation—an abnormal condition in which brain tissue extends through the
hole at the bottom of the skull (foramen magnum) and into the spinal canal and
obstructs the flow of CSF. Syringomyelia may also be caused by spinal cord
injuries, spinal cord tumors, and damage caused by inflammation in around the
spinal cord. In some cases, the cause is unknown (idiopathic).
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What are the forms of syringomyelia?
Syringomyelia has two major forms:
Congenital syringomyelia (also known as communicating syringomyelia) is most

often caused by a Chiari malformation and resulting syrinx, usually in the spine’s
cervical (neck) region. Symptoms typically begin between the ages of 25 and 40
years. People with congenital syringomyelia may also have hydrocephalus, a buildup
of excess CSF in the brain with enlargement of connected cavities called
ventricles. Straining or coughing can increase pressure within the head and brain,
causing the person to develop headache or even lose consciousness. Some people may
have a disorder called arachnoiditis—an inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the
three membranes that surrounds the spinal cord.
Acquired syringomyelia (also known as primary spinal syringomyelia or
noncommunicating syringomyelia) can be caused by spinal cord injury, meningitis (an
inflammation of brain and spinal cord membranes usually caused by an infection),
arachnoiditis, tethered cord syndrome (a condition that is present at birth that
causes the spinal cord to abnormally attach to the tissues in the lower spine,
limiting its movement), and a spinal cord tumor.
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How is syringomyelia diagnosed?
A physician will review the person's medical history, perform a physical exam
focusing on neurological function, and order imaging of the spine or brain.
Sometimes, syringomyelia may be found during diagnostic imaging for another
disorder.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most reliable way to diagnose

syringomyelia. Using this test, a physician can determine if there is a syrinx in
the spine or another abnormality, such as a tumor. In some cases, multiple MRI
images may be taken in rapid succession (called dynamic MRI) to show the flow of
fluid around the spinal cord and within the syrinx. A dye or contrast agent may be
injected to enhance the MRI images.
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How is syringomyelia treated?
Treatment for syringomyelia depends on the severity and progression of symptoms.
Monitoring
Syringomyelia that doesn’t show symptoms is usually not treated but the person
should be carefully monitored by a neurologist or neurosurgeon as symptoms can
worsen over time. A physician may recommend not treating the condition in
individuals of advanced age or in cases where there is no progression of symptoms.
Individuals with syringomyelia should avoid activities that involve straining
(e.g., lifting heavy objects, jumping) since these actions can trigger symptoms.
People with an associated Chiari malformation are especially apt to experience
headache with straining.

Sryngmologia

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Sryngmologia

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What is syringomyelia?

Syringomyelia is a disorder in which a fluid-filled cyst (called a syrinx) forms

In syringomyelia, the watery liquid known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—which

Syringomyelia has two major forms:

Congenital syringomyelia (also known as communicating syringomyelia) is most

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most reliable way to diagnose

Treatment for syringomyelia depends on the severity and progression of symptoms.

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