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

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.