Syringomyelia

Definition: Is a disorder in which a cyst forms within the spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, expands and elongates over time, destroying the center of the cord

Symptoms: Since the spinal cord connects the brain to the nerves in the extremities, this damage may result in:

Pain, weakness, and stiffness in the back, shoulders, arms or legs. Other symptoms may include headaches and loss of the ability to feel extremes of hot or

cold, especially in the hands and disruption in body temperature. May also adversely affect sweating, sexual function and bladder and bowel control.

Small central lesion such as syringomyelia an affect the decussating fibers of the spinothalamic tract from both sides without affecting other ascending or descending tracts. As a result there will be loss of pain and temperature in the affected dermatomes on both sides of the body but the vibration and position sense will be preserved

Causes:

Trauma to the spinal cord or congenital developmental problems of the brain (a Chiari I malformation) and/or spinal cord

A tumor and meningitis Obstruction in the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), redirecting it to the spinal cord

itself. This results in the formation of a syrinx (cyst that fills with CSF).

Diagnosis:

MRI- leading diagnostic tools

Treatments:

Surgery Necessary to drain the syrinx, which can be accomplished using a catheter, drainage tubes,

and valves. In the absence of symptoms, syringomyelia is usually not treated. Whether treated or not,

many patients will be told to avoid activities that involve straining.

Prognosis:

Symptoms usually begin between the ages of 25 and 40 and may worsen with straining or any activity that causes cerebrospinal fluid pressure to fluctuate.

In treatment may result in irreversible spinal cord injury.

Syringomyelia involving the cervicothoracic portion of the spinal cord showing the cape-like pattern of sensory loss