ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Syringomyelia

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Causes

The fluid build-up 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.

Symptoms

• 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

Exams and Tests

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

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.

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

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of syringomyelia.

Prevention

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

Feske SK, Cochrane, TI. Degenerative and compressive structural disorders. In: Goetz, CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 29.

Golden JA, Bonnemann CG. Etiological Categories of Neurological Diseases. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 28, part 3.