About Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia, often referred to as SM, is a chronic disorder involving the spinal cord.

 For reasons that are only now being understood, cerebrospinal fluid enters the

                              spinal cord, forming a cavity known as a syrinx. (Doctors sometimes use other

                              words such as cyst, hydromyelia or syringohydromyelia) This syrinx often

                              expands and elongates over time, destroying the center of the spinal cord. As

                              the nerve fibers inside the spinal cord are damaged, a wide variety of symptoms can

                              occur, depending upon the size  and location of the syrinx. 

 There are two major types of SM. In most cases it is related to a congenital

malformation involving the hindbrain (cerebellum) called a Chiari I Malformation,

named after the physician who first described it. This malformation occurs during fetal

development and is characterized by downward displacement of the lower part of the

brain (cerebellar tonsils) beneath the foramen magnum, into the cervical spinal canal.

This displacement blocks the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid. When normal flow is

obstructed, a syrinx can then form in the spinal cord. Not all patients with Chiari

Malformations will develop a syrinx, however. 

The second major type of SM occurs as a complication of trauma, meningitis, tumor,

or arachnoiditis. In these cases the syrinx forms in the section of the spinal cord

damaged by these conditions. As more people are surviving spinal cord injuries, more

cases of post-traumatic SM are being diagnosed as the syrinx can form years after the

trauma. 

What are the symptoms?

   The symptoms of SM are numerous and a person may have various combinations of

different symptoms. Symptoms tend to develop slowly, although sudden onset may

occur with coughing and straining. Some common symptoms include: loss of

sensitivity, especially to hot and cold, muscle weakness and spasticity, motor

impairment, loss of bowel and bladder control, as well as osteoporosis and scoliosis.

The majority of patients suffer from headaches and chronic pain. Syringomyelia may

eventually result in severe, disabling handicaps such as paraplegia and quadriplegia. 

How is Syringomyelia diagnosed?

   In the past diagnosis was difficult. Many doctors were unfamiliar with SM so patients

went from one doctor to another while their condition degenerated. Now, with the use

of Magnetic Resonance Imaging technology, the timeliness of diagnosis can be vastly

improved. The images taken show body structures such as the brain and spinal cord in

vivid detail. This test will show the syrinx clearly and any other spinal conditions or

abnormalities. MRI is safe and painless. 

This information from American Syringomyelia Alliance Project Inc.