Syringomyelia: A Brief Overview
Syringomyelia is a rare neurological disorder characterized by a cyst (syrinx) that forms in the spinal cord. The cyst, which typically originates near the brainstem, causes progressive damage to the spinal cord and can lead to serious complications such as pain, weakness, and loss of sensation in the arms and legs.
Most cases of syringomyelia are caused by a blockage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the spinal cord. This blockage can occur for many reasons, including a birth defect, trauma, or a tumor. In some cases, the cause of the blockage is unknown.
The most common symptoms of syringomyelia include pain and weakness in the arms and legs, as well as a loss of sensation in those areas. Other symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, and problems with balance, coordination, and bladder control.
Diagnosis of syringomyelia typically involves a combination of physical exam, imaging tests such as MRI, and occasionally a lumbar puncture to measure CSF pressure. Treatment typically includes medications to reduce pain and other symptoms, as well as surgery to remove the cyst or relieve the blockage.
Syringomyelia can be a debilitating condition, but with appropriate care, those affected can often lead relatively normal lives.
References
Bohnen, N. I., van Rooden, S. M., & van den Berg, L. H. (2019). Syringomyelia: Diagnosis and treatment. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 19(5), 27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-019-0949-4
Chaudhry, V. J., & Hallett, M. (2019). Syringomyelia. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470791/
Kumar, R., & Rai, N. (2016). Syringomyelia: A review. Indian Journal of Neurosurgery, 5(2), 69–78. https://doi.org/10.4103/2319-4170.184518