Syringomyelia is damage to the spinal cord due to the formation of a fluid-filled area within the cord.
Alternative NamesSyrinx
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe fluid buildup seen in syringomyelia may be a result of spinal cord trauma, tumors of the spinal cord, or birth defects (specifically, "chiari malformation," in which part of the brain pushes down onto the spinal cord at the base of the skull).
The fluid-filled cavity usually begins in the neck area. It expands slowly, putting pressure on the spinal cord and slowly causing damage.
SymptomsThere may be no symptoms, or symptoms may include:
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
A neurologic examination may show loss of sensation or movement caused by compression of the spinal cord.
An MRI of the spine confirms syringomyelia and determines the exact location and extent. Often, an MRI of the head will be done to look for associated conditions including hydrocephalus (water on the brain).
Rarely, an spinal CT with myelogram may be done.
TreatmentThe goals of treatment are to stop the spinal cord damage from getting worse and to maximize functioning. Surgery to relieve pressure in the spinal cord may be appropriate. Physical therapy may be needed to maximize muscular function.
It may be necessary to drain the fluid build up. See: Ventriculoperitoneal shunting
Expectations (prognosis)Untreated, the disorder gets worse very slowly, but it eventually causes severe disability. Surgical decompression usually stops the progression of the disorder, with about 50% of people showing significant improvement in neurologic function after surgical decompression.
ComplicationsWithout treatment, the condition will lead to:
Possible complications of surgery include:
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of syringomyelia.
PreventionThere is no known prevention, other than avoiding trauma to the spinal cord. Prompt treatment reduces progression of the disorder.
ReferencesFeske SK, Cochrane TI. Degenerative and compressive structural disorders. In: Goetz CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 29.
Golden JA, Bonnemann CG. Etiological categories of neurological diseases. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 28.
Syringomyelia is damage to the spinal cord due to the formation of a fluid-filled area within the cord.
Alternative NamesSyrinx
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe fluid buildup seen in syringomyelia may be a result of spinal cord trauma, tumors of the spinal cord, or birth defects (specifically, "chiari malformation," in which part of the brain pushes down onto the spinal cord at the base of the skull).
The fluid-filled cavity usually begins in the neck area. It expands slowly, putting pressure on the spinal cord and slowly causing damage.
SymptomsThere may be no symptoms, or symptoms may include:
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
A neurologic examination may show loss of sensation or movement caused by compression of the spinal cord.
An MRI of the spine confirms syringomyelia and determines the exact location and extent. Often, an MRI of the head will be done to look for associated conditions including hydrocephalus (water on the brain).
Rarely, an spinal CT with myelogram may be done.
TreatmentThe goals of treatment are to stop the spinal cord damage from getting worse and to maximize functioning. Surgery to relieve pressure in the spinal cord may be appropriate. Physical therapy may be needed to maximize muscular function.
It may be necessary to drain the fluid build up. See: Ventriculoperitoneal shunting
Expectations (prognosis)Untreated, the disorder gets worse very slowly, but it eventually causes severe disability. Surgical decompression usually stops the progression of the disorder, with about 50% of people showing significant improvement in neurologic function after surgical decompression.
ComplicationsWithout treatment, the condition will lead to:
Possible complications of surgery include:
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of syringomyelia.
PreventionThere is no known prevention, other than avoiding trauma to the spinal cord. Prompt treatment reduces progression of the disorder.
ReferencesFeske SK, Cochrane TI. Degenerative and compressive structural disorders. In: Goetz CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 29.
Golden JA, Bonnemann CG. Etiological categories of neurological diseases. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 28.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 06/16/2010
Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Syringomyelia has been known to cause dizziness I know this because I suffer from vertigo and I have syringomyelia
Syringomyelia is more commonly seen in middle-aged adults, but it can affect individuals of all ages. It is slightly more prevalent in males than females. Some cases are associated with congenital conditions such as Chiari malformation.
Syphilis is not hereditary.
It is thought that syringomyelia occurs when one or more factors interfere with the normal development of the spinal canal during formation of the embryo or when factors such as trauma to the spinal cord.
No, people with syringomyelia should avoid doing anything which can cause them spinal trauma EG running.With surgical compression, there might be a possibility of playing soccer.
Syringomyelia is a disorder where a cyst forms inside the spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, grows over time, destroying a portion of the spinal cord from its center and expands outward
I have syringomyelia myself and I read that walking or swimming was good exercise. I wonder about the swimming because I know that would flare my arm pain up if I did it. Still, being in a pool and moving around would be very good.
Syringomyelia
Syringomyelia - A chronic disease of the spinal cord characterized by the presence of fluid-filled cavities and leading to spasticity and sensory disturbances.
The synringomyelia can have a variety of symptoms: - severe chronic pain - abnormal sensations - loss of sensations, particulary in the hands. It can occasionnaly cause paralysis or paresis, temporarily or permanently
Treatment, usually surgery, is aimed at stopping the progression of spinal cord damage and maximizing functioning. Surgical procedures are often performed if there is an identifiable mass compressing the spinal cord.
I think you are referring to syrnix. Check out Wikipedia under Syringomyelia. Describes condition in detail. Basically, doctors do not know if it is genetic. Duke University is currently doing research to see if it is related to genetics.