What are the symptoms of syringomyelia?

Syringomyelia is a rare disorder in which a cyst or cavity (syrinx) forms within the spinal cord. This cyst can enlarge over time, damaging the spinal cord and causing a range of symptoms. The symptoms of syringomyelia can vary depending on the size and location of the syrinx within the spinal cord, but they commonly include:

1. Pain: Pain is a common symptom of syringomyelia, often described as a sharp or burning pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, or back. The pain may worsen with movement or changes in position.
2. Weakness: Weakness in the muscles of the arms, hands, legs, or feet may occur, making it difficult to perform daily activities that require muscle strength.
3. Numbness or Tingling: Numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation may occur in the arms, hands, legs, or feet. This can affect the ability to feel temperature, touch, or pain.
4. Loss of Reflexes: Reflexes may be diminished or absent in affected areas of the body.
5. Muscle Atrophy: As the condition progresses, muscle atrophy (wasting) may occur in the arms, hands, legs, or feet due to nerve damage.
6. Stiffness or Spasticity: Stiffness or spasticity (increased muscle tone) may occur in the muscles of the arms, hands, legs, or feet.
7. Difficulty Walking: As the condition progresses, weakness, numbness, and muscle stiffness can make walking difficult and may lead to problems with balance and coordination.
8. Bladder and Bowel Problems: Syringomyelia can affect the nerves that control bladder and bowel function, leading to urinary or fecal incontinence, urinary retention, or constipation.
9. Scoliosis: In some cases, syringomyelia can cause scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine) as the spinal cord is affected.
10. Other Symptoms: Other symptoms of syringomyelia may include headaches, especially those worsened by coughing or straining, and a loss of the ability to feel pain or temperature changes (sensory dissociation).

It’s important to note that the symptoms of syringomyelia can develop gradually and may be subtle at first. Early diagnosis by a specialist and treatment are important to prevent further damage to the spinal cord and to manage symptoms effectively.

What are the causes of syringomyelia?

Syringomyelia is a condition characterized by the formation of a fluid-filled cyst or cavity (syrinx) within the spinal cord. The exact cause of syringomyelia is not always clear, but it is often associated with conditions that disrupt the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the spinal cord. Some of the common causes and risk factors for syringomyelia include:

1. Chiari Malformation: Chiari malformation is a condition in which the cerebellum (the part of the brain that controls balance) extends into the opening at the base of the skull. This can block the normal flow of CSF and lead to the development of a syrinx in the spinal cord.
2. Spinal Cord Tumors: Tumors of the spinal cord or surrounding tissues can block the flow of CSF and lead to the development of syringomyelia.
3. Spinal Cord Injury: Trauma or injury to the spinal cord can disrupt the normal flow of CSF and lead to the formation of a syrinx.
4. Spinal Cord Cysts: Cysts or other abnormalities within the spinal cord itself can obstruct the flow of CSF and contribute to the development of syringomyelia.
5. Meningitis: Infections such as meningitis can lead to inflammation and scarring around the spinal cord, which can disrupt the flow of CSF and contribute to the development of syringomyelia.
6. Arachnoiditis: Arachnoiditis is inflammation of the arachnoid membrane, which surrounds the spinal cord. This inflammation can lead to the formation of adhesions that obstruct the flow of CSF and contribute to the development of syringomyelia.
7. Tethered Spinal Cord: Tethered spinal cord is a condition in which the spinal cord is abnormally attached to the tissues around the spine. This can lead to stretching of the spinal cord and disruption of CSF flow, increasing the risk of syringomyelia.
8. Idiopathic: In some cases, the cause of syringomyelia is unknown (idiopathic). It is believed that there may be a genetic or developmental component to idiopathic syringomyelia.

It’s important to note that syringomyelia can develop slowly over time, and symptoms may not appear until the syrinx has enlarged and begun to compress the spinal cord. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent further damage to the spinal cord and to manage symptoms effectively.

What is the treatment for syringomyelia?

The treatment for syringomyelia depends on the underlying cause, the size and location of the syrinx, and the severity of symptoms. In some cases, syringomyelia may not require treatment if it is small and not causing symptoms. However, if treatment is necessary, it may include:

1. Surgery: Surgery is often recommended to treat syringomyelia, especially if the syrinx is large, causing symptoms, or is associated with a Chiari malformation or other structural abnormality. The goal of surgery is to restore the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and alleviate pressure on the spinal cord. Different surgical techniques may be used, including:

• Decompression surgery: This involves removing bone at the back of the skull and/or spine to create more space for the CSF to flow.
• Shunting: A shunt may be implanted to drain the syrinx and divert CSF to another part of the body where it can be absorbed.

1. Medications: Medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms such as pain, stiffness, or muscle weakness. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and pain medications may be used.
2. Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination. It can also help with pain management and improve overall function.
3. Monitoring: Regular monitoring of the syrinx and symptoms may be recommended to track progression and determine if additional treatment is needed.
4. Treatment of Underlying Conditions: If syringomyelia is caused by an underlying condition such as a tumor or infection, treatment of the underlying condition may be necessary.
5. Lifestyle Modifications: Certain lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding activities that worsen symptoms or maintaining good posture, may help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

The treatment approach for syringomyelia is individualized based on the specific circumstances of each case. It’s important for individuals with syringomyelia to receive care from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, and pain management specialists. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage to the spinal cord and improve outcomes.

What is syringomyelia also known as?

Syringomyelia is also known as hydromyelia, syringohydromyelia, or Morvan disease.