Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia is a fluid-filled cavity (syrinx) within the spinal cord, most often cervical, associated with Chiari malformation, trauma, tumor, or idiopathic. Clinical: dissociated sensory loss (pain/temperature impaired, light touch preserved) in a cape distribution, segmental weakness/atrophy of hands, and neuropathic joints. Diagnosis: MRI. Treatment: treat the cause (Chiari decompression/tumor resection); surgical drainage/shunting of the syrinx in progressive cases; neurorehabilitation.

Common Symptoms

Dissociated sensory loss (cape); hand weakness/atrophy; neuropathic joints; neck pain; MRI shows cord cavity

Causes and Pathogenesis

Chiari/trauma/tumor causes CSF-flow obstruction and a fluid syrinx within the cord, damaging crossing spinothalamic fibers and anterior horn.

Treatment

Treat cause (Chiari decompression/tumor); syrinx drainage/shunting if progressive; neurorehab

Preventive Measures

Treat Chiari; early surgery if progressive; rehab.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurosurgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.