Syringomyelia
Syringomyelia is a fluid-filled cyst in the spinal cord Over time, the cyst can grow in size, damage the spinal cord, and cause pain, weakness, stiffness, and other symptoms.
Syringomyelia has many causes, but the most common cause is a condition in which brain tissue protrudes into the spinal cord (Chiari malformation).
Other causes of syringomyelia include spinal cord tumors, trauma, and inflammation around the spinal cord.
If syringomyelia is not causing problems, simply monitoring the condition may be sufficient If symptoms occur, you may need surgery
It is not known why or how syringomyelia develops When it develops, cerebrospinal fluid collects in the spinal cord and forms a cyst
Many conditions and diseases cause syringomyelia Among them are:
- Chiari malformation A condition in which the brain protrudes into the spinal canal
- Meningitis Inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord
- Spinal cord tumor that prevents the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid
- Congenital conditions, such as a condition in which tissue is attached to the spinal cord that prevents it from moving
- Spinal cord injury that causes symptoms months or years after the injury
Symptoms of syringomyelia develop over time If syringomyelia is caused by protrusion of brain tissue into the spinal cord (Chiari malformation), symptoms appear between the ages of 25 and 40.
In some cases, coughing or belching can cause symptoms of syringomyelia, but neither causes syringomyelia.
The following early signs and symptoms may be found in the back of the neck, wrists, shoulders, and hands:
- Muscle weakness and stiffness
- Loss of reflexes
- Loss of pain and temperature sensitivity
Other symptoms of syringomyelia Because the symptoms of syringomyelia are similar to other diseases, a careful examination is necessary for an accurate diagnosis
If you have experienced a spinal cord injury, be aware of the signs and symptoms of syringomyelia Syringomyelia can develop months or years after the injury If you have symptoms, be sure to tell your doctor about your spinal cord injury
