What is Syringomyelia?

Syringomyelia is a rare medical condition where a fluid-filled cavity, called a syrinx, forms within the spinal cord. This syrinx can expand and elongate over time, damaging the spinal cord and affecting its normal function.

Among all, early diagnosis and timely management endeavors are the most important tools for the treatment of syringomyelia, whereby further damage can be prevented and quality of life can be improved.

Symptoms of Syringomyelia

Symptoms of syringomyelia vary based on the size and site of the syrinx. Some common ones are:

Pain: Sharp or aching pain in the neck, back, or shoulders.

Weakness: In the muscles, particularly in the arms or legs.

Numbness: Lack of feeling or tingling in the arms, hands, legs.

Stiffness: Rigidity or restriction of limb movement.

Decreased Coordination: Impaired balance and coordination.

Headaches: Nearly continuous headaches or sometimes even migraines.

Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine may be a result.

Causes of Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia can be caused by several factors:

●       Chiari Malformation: The most common cause is Chiari malformation, a condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. This can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and lead to syrinx formation.

●       Spinal Cord Injury: Trauma to the spinal cord from injury or surgery can also lead to syringomyelia.

●       Tumours: In some cases, tumours or cysts within the spinal cord can cause a syrinx to form.

●       Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions like multiple sclerosis or infections affecting the spinal cord may contribute to the development of a syrinx.

Treatment of Syringomyelia

Treatment of syringomyelia is carried out to reduce problems with the disease and prevent further progressive injury to the spinal cord. These measures include:

● Medications: Pain relievers and medications for symptom relief.

● Surgery: In a case where the syrinx serves a good size or contributes greatly to symptomology, then there is a requirement for a surgical treatment that can either assist in removing the syrinx or tackle an underlying condition like Chiari malformation.

● Monitoring Periodic: monitoring with MRI to observe the growth of the syrinx, with treatment in a stepwise manner.

Dr. Navin Tiwari
Consulting Neurologist