Syringomyelia

Fluid normally flows around your brain and spinal cord. In syringomyelia, fluid builds up inside the spinal cord, creating a pocket or cyst. This cyst is sometimes called a syrinx.

Syringomyelia is a condition where a fluid-filled sac (cyst) grows inside your spinal cord. Over time, this cyst can get bigger. As it expands, it can press on and damage the spinal cord, leading to symptoms like pain, muscle weakness, and stiffness.

Several things can cause syringomyelia. A common cause is a condition called Chiari malformation. In this condition, part of the brain pushes down into the space where the spinal cord is located.

Other possible causes include tumors on the spinal cord, injuries to the spinal cord, or swelling around the spinal cord.

If syringomyelia doesn't cause any noticeable problems, your doctor might just want to monitor it. But if the symptoms are causing you discomfort or difficulty, surgery may be an option.

Syringomyelia is a condition where a fluid-filled space forms in the spinal cord. This space usually grows slowly over time. Sometimes, this happens because part of the brain is pushing down on the spinal cord, which is called a Chiari malformation. If this is the case, symptoms often start between the ages of 25 and 40. Important to note, coughing or straining doesn't cause syringomyelia, but these actions can sometimes make the symptoms worse.

Syringomyelia can affect different parts of the body, including the back, shoulders, arms, and legs. Common symptoms include:

• Weakened muscles and muscle loss (atrophy): This means the muscles may get smaller and less strong.
• Missing reflexes: Your body may not respond normally to certain stimuli.
• Loss of sensation to pain and temperature: You might not feel pain or changes in temperature as well as you should.
• Headaches: This is a common complaint.
• Stiffness in the back, shoulders, arms, and legs: Movement might become difficult and uncomfortable.
• Pain in the neck, arms, and back: This pain can range from mild to severe.
• Curvature of the spine (scoliosis): This is where the spine bends sideways.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor. If you've had a spinal cord injury, it's even more crucial to be aware of syringomyelia symptoms. Sometimes, symptoms don't appear until months or even years after the injury. Be sure to tell your doctor about any prior spinal cord injuries you've had.

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms of syringomyelia, it's important to see a doctor right away.

Syringomyelia is a condition that can develop after a spinal cord injury. Sometimes, it takes a long time – months or even years – for symptoms to appear after the injury. If you've had a spinal cord injury, be sure to tell your doctor. This information will help them in properly diagnosing and managing your care.

Syringomyelia is a condition where fluid builds up inside the spinal cord. This fluid, called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), normally surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. Think of it like a cushion. In syringomyelia, this fluid collects in a specific area of the spinal cord, forming a cyst-like structure called a syrinx.

Unfortunately, doctors don't fully understand what causes syringomyelia. But several factors can contribute to it. One is Chiari malformation, where parts of the brain push down into the spinal canal, hindering the normal flow of CSF. Inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, known as meningitis, can also play a role. Sometimes, a tumor on the spinal cord can disrupt the CSF flow.

Other causes include conditions present at birth. For example, a tethered spinal cord happens when tissues attaching to the spinal cord restrict its movement. This restriction can also affect the flow of CSF. Even a spinal cord injury, though it might not show symptoms for months or even years, can sometimes lead to syringomyelia.

Syringomyelia can sometimes get worse and cause significant problems. In other cases, people with syringomyelia experience no noticeable symptoms at all.

If a syrinx (a fluid-filled cavity) in the spinal cord grows or damages the surrounding nerves, it can lead to several complications. These include:

• Scoliosis: This is a sideways curvature of the spine. It can develop as a result of the syrinx affecting the supporting structures of the spine.

• Chronic pain: Damage to the spinal cord from the syrinx can cause ongoing, persistent pain. This pain can be anywhere from mild to severe and can make daily activities challenging.

• Movement problems (motor difficulties): The syrinx can affect how the spinal cord sends signals to the muscles, leading to problems with walking. This might show up as weakness or stiffness in the legs, making it difficult to move or maintain balance. In severe cases, it can lead to trouble controlling or using the legs at all.

• Paralysis: In some cases, the damage from a syrinx can lead to paralysis, which means the person loses the ability to move certain parts of their body. This is usually a result of severe nerve damage from the growing syrinx.

Your doctor will ask about your health history and do a physical exam. Sometimes, a condition called syringomyelia is found during an MRI or CT scan of your spine, if one is done for another reason.

If your doctor thinks you might have syringomyelia, they may order some tests. These tests can include:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI is the best way to see if you have syringomyelia. It uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to create very detailed pictures of your spine and spinal cord. A syrinx (a fluid-filled sac) in the spinal cord will show up on the MRI. Doctors may do more MRIs over time to see if the syrinx is getting bigger, helping them understand how the condition is changing.

• CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed images of the spine and spinal cord. While a CT scan can show problems like tumors, it's not as good as an MRI for finding syringomyelia.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI is the best way to see if you have syringomyelia. It uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to create very detailed pictures of your spine and spinal cord. A syrinx (a fluid-filled sac) in the spinal cord will show up on the MRI. Doctors may do more MRIs over time to see if the syrinx is getting bigger, helping them understand how the condition is changing.