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Alternative names
SyrinxDefinition Return to top
Syringomyelia is damage to the spinal cord, caused by a formation of a fluid-filled cavity within the cord.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Syringomyelia is caused by a formation of a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord. This fluid build-up may be a result of spinal cord trauma, tumors of the spinal cord, or congenital defects.
The cavity most often begins in the neck area. It expands slowly, causing progressive damage to the spinal cord due to the pressure exerted by the fluid. Symptoms result from the spinal cord damage.
Syringomyelia may occur in certain developmental abnormalities of the nervous system, including Chiari malformations.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Neurologic examination may show loss of sensation or movement caused by compression of the spinal cord.Treatment Return to top
The goals of treatment are to stop progression of spinal cord damage and to maximize functioning. Surgical decompression may be appropriate, if there is an identifiable mass compressing the spinal cord. Physical therapy may be needed to maximize muscular function.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Untreated, the disorder is very slowly progressive, but it eventually results in severe disability. Surgical decompression usually stops the progression of the disorder, with about 50% of people showing significant improvement in neurologic function after surgical decompression.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms indicating syringomyelia are present.Prevention Return to top
There is no known prevention, other than avoiding trauma to the spinal cord. Prompt treatment reduces progression of the disorder. Update Date: 8/10/2004 Updated by: Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |