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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Syringomyelia (sih-ring-go-my-E-lee-uh) is the development of a fluid-filled cyst (syrinx) within your spinal cord. Over time, the cyst may enlarge, damaging your spinal cord and causing pain, weakness and stiffness, among other symptoms. If left untreated, syringomyelia symptoms may worsen, in some cases requiring surgery.
Syringomyelia has several possible causes. The majority of syringomyelia cases are associated with Chiari malformation, a condition in which brain tissue protrudes into your spinal canal. Other causes of syringomyelia include spinal cord tumors, spinal cord injuries and damage caused by inflammation around your spinal cord.
If syringomyelia isn't causing any problems, monitoring the condition may be all that's necessary. But if you're bothered by symptoms, you may need surgery.
Symptoms- Sung WS. Spontaneous regression of syringomyelia — review of the current aetiological theories and implications for surgery. Journal of Clinical Neurosciences. 2008;15:1185.
- NINDS syringomyelia information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/syringomyelia/syringomyelia.htm. Accessed Jan. 27, 2009.
- Hauser SL, et al. Diseases of the spinal cord. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2904462&searchStr=syringomyelia. Accessed Jan. 27, 2009.
- What is syringomyelia? American Syringomyelia Alliance Project. http://www.asap.org/syringomyelia. Accessed Jan. 27, 2009.
- Aminoff MJ. Nervous system disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment, 2009. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=13162&searchStr=syringomyelia. Accessed Jan. 27, 2009.
- Aminoff MJ, et al. Disorders of somatic sensation. In: Aminoff MJ, et al. Clinical Neurology. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2005. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2082386&searchStr=syringomyelia. Accessed Jan. 27, 2009.
- Cavanaugh J. Exercise concepts for individuals with syringomyelia. American Syringomyelia Alliance Project. http://www.asap.org/articles/Cavanaugh.html. Accessed Jan. 27, 2009.
