Syringomyelia is a condition that causes fluid to build up inside the spinal cord. The symptoms are severe, and they can cause serious pain. Luckily, some treatments can be used. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options here.
Symptoms
Syringomyelia symptoms may include muscle weakness, numbness, headache, difficulty breathing, or loss of bladder or bowel control. It is a spinal cord disorder that occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is not flowing correctly. The symptoms can become severe and may result in paralysis, muscle weakness, and loss of sensation.
If you suspect you have syringomyelia, it is best to seek immediate treatment. Symptoms usually begin in young adults and may appear gradually over time. However, some patients do not have any signs or symptoms.
A Chiari malformation causes most syringomyelia. This occurs when the lower part of the cerebellum protrudes into the foramen magnum or the opening of the spinal canal. Surgery to correct the abnormality is often recommended, although only sometimes.
In addition to surgery, a decompressive procedure is used to expand the area around the cerebellum and improve the flow of CSF. Sometimes, the syrinx is removed during this procedure, allowing the normal flow of CSF to resume.
Causes
Syringomyelia is a disorder that causes damage to the spinal cord. Symptoms of syringomyelia include pain, numbness, and weakness. This disorder is often diagnosed by physical examination but can also be detected by a computerized tomography (CT) scan.
Several different things can cause syringomyelia. Trauma, meningitis, hemorrhage, and arachnoiditis are some conditions that can cause this disorder. It may also be related to a congenital anomaly.
The most common symptom of syringomyelia is pain. The symptoms can also affect sexual function. You may be prescribed medications to alleviate the pain. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may need to undergo surgery.
Usually, syringomyelia is treated by reducing the pressure in the spinal cord. If the fluid cannot drain, you may need a shunt. Surgery can be a valuable treatment for syringomyelia, but the outcome is only sometimes positive.
A neurosurgeon should examine a patient with syringomyelia to determine the best course of action. Your doctor will perform a complete physical exam, including asking about your medical history. They may recommend analgesia to help with the pain. Other treatments may include physical therapy.
Treatment
Syringomyelia is a condition characterized by a fluid-filled cavity in the spinal cord. Symptoms may include weakness and pain. The disease typically occurs in the third or fourth decade of life. It is often associated with craniovertebral junction abnormalities.
Some people with syringomyelia can have permanent weakness or loss of function. This can make a living with the condition difficult. Fortunately, there are treatment options to help manage the situation.
Syringomyelia is caused by a cavity filled with cerebrospinal fluid in the spinal cord. When the hole grows, it can interfere with the functioning of the nervous system. However, it is only sometimes possible to fix the problem. Surgery is one option for treating syringomyelia.
A doctor usually makes the diagnosis of syringomyelia after a comprehensive medical examination. Imaging techniques are also helpful in detecting syringomyelia.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of imaging that takes pictures of the inside of the body. MRI uses a large magnet and computer to produce detailed images of tissues and organs.
Post-traumatic syringomyelia
Post-traumatic syringomyelia is a condition that occurs after spinal cord injury. It is a severe complication of trauma and can cause a range of symptoms. The most common symptom is pain. Other symptoms include muscle wasting and ataxia.
Affected patients may also experience difficulty controlling their bowels and bladder. Syringomyelia is treatable, though surgical intervention is often necessary.
Syringomyelia is a fluid-filled cyst that develops in the spinal cord. This condition occurs in approximately 25 percent of spinal cord-injured patients. Although scientists do not know the exact cause of syringomyelia, it is believed to be caused by a buildup of abnormal cerebrospinal fluid.
Most syringomyelia cases involve the cervical spine. They can be congenital or acquired later in life. However, the risk factors for syringomyelia increase with age.
If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, talk to your physician about syringomyelia. MRI is the most reliable method for diagnosing this condition.
When patients suffer a traumatic spinal cord injury, the CSF is disrupted. Inflammation of the spinal cord and mechanical compression can lead to cavity formation. These fluid-filled cavities can cause damage to surrounding nerve tissues.
