Syringomyelia (patient information)

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 * Assistant Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer

Overview
Syringomyelia is damage to the spinal cord due to the formation of a fluid-filled area within the cord.

What are the symptoms of Syringomyelia?

 * Gradual loss of muscle mass (wasting, atrophy)
 * Headache
 * Muscle function loss, loss of ability to use arms or legs
 * Numbness or decreased sensation
 * Decreased sense of pain or temperature
 * Lessened ability to sense that the skin is being touched
 * Neck, shoulders, upper arms, trunk -- in a cape-like pattern
 * Slowly, but progressively, gets worse
 * Pain down the arms, neck, or into the upper back
 * Weakness (decreased muscle strength, independent of exercise) in the arms or legs

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
 * Muscle contractions
 * Rashes
 * Spasms in or tightness of the leg muscles
 * Uncoordinated movement

What causes Syringomyelia?
The fluid buildup seen in syringomyelia may be a result of spinal cord trauma, tumors of the spinal cord, or birth defects (specifically, "chiari malformation," in which part of the brain pushes down onto the spinal cord at the base of the skull).

The fluid-filled cavity usually begins in the neck area. It expands slowly, putting pressure on the spinal cord and slowly causing damage.

When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of syringomyelia.

Diagnosis
A neurologic examination may show loss of sensation or movement caused by compression of the spinal cord.

A spinal CT with myelogram or an MRI of the spine confirms syringomyelia and determines the exact location and extent. Often, an MRI of the head will be done to look for associated conditions including hydrocephalus (water on the brain).

Treatment options
The goals of treatment are to stop the spinal cord damage from getting worse and to maximize functioning. Surgery to relieve pressure in the spinal cord may be appropriate. Physical therapy may be needed to maximize muscular function.

Where to find medical care for Syringomyelia?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Syringomyelia

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Untreated, the disorder gets worse very slowly, but it eventually causes 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.

Possible complications
Without treatment, the condition will lead to:
 * Continued or progressive loss of neurologic function
 * Permanent disability

Possible complications of surgery include:
 * Postoperative infection and other complications common to all surgeries

Prevention
There is no known prevention, other than avoiding trauma to the spinal cord. Prompt treatment reduces progression of the disorder.