Shriners Hospitals for Children - Research. Theoretical analysis of the pathophysiology of syringomyelia associated with adhesive arachnoiditis -- Chang and Nakagawa 75 (5): 754 -- Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. The Chiari Institute. American Syringomyelia Alliance Project Inc, To improve the lives of persons affected by Chiari malformation and syringomyelia information.
Syringomyelia. Syringomyelia has a prevalence estimated at 8.4 cases per 100,000 people,[2] with symptoms usually beginning in young adulthood. Signs of the disorder tend to develop slowly, although sudden onset may occur with coughing, straining, or myelopathy. Pathogenesis[edit] It has been observed that obstruction of the cerebrospinal fluid spaces in the subarachnoid space can result in syrinx formation, and alleviation of the obstruction may improve symptoms.
A number of pathological conditions can cause an obstruction of the normal cerebrospinal fluid spaces. Different origins[edit] Generally, there are two forms of syringomyelia: congenital and acquired. Congenital[edit] The first major form relates to an abnormality of the brain called an Arnold–Chiari malformation. Some cases of syringomyelia are familial, although this is rare. Acquired[edit] The second major form of syringomyelia occurs as a complication of trauma, meningitis, hemorrhage, a tumor, or arachnoiditis. Symptoms[edit] Diagnosis[edit] MedlinePlus: Syringomyelia. Syringomyelia Facts. Syringomyelia Information Page. What is Syringomyelia? Syringomyelia (sear-IN-go-my-EEL-ya) is a disorder in which a cyst forms within the spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, expands and elongates over time, destroying the center of the spinal cord. Since the spinal cord connects the brain to nerves in the extremities, this damage results in pain, weakness, and stiffness in the back, shoulders, arms, or legs.
Other symptoms may include headaches and a loss of the ability to feel extremes of hot or cold, especially in the hands. Each patient experiences a different combination of symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has significantly increased the number of syringomyelia cases diagnosed in the beginning stages of the disorder. Signs of the disorder tend to develop slowly, although sudden onset may occur with coughing or straining.
Is there any treatment? Surgery is usually recommended for syringomyelia patients. In the absence of symptoms, syringomyelia is usually not treated. What is the prognosis?