Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia
An idiopathic syrinx
Pronunciation
SpecialtyNeurosurgery

Syringomyelia is a generic term referring to a disorder in which a cyst or cavity forms within the spinal cord. Often, syringomyelia is used as a generic term before an etiology is determined.[3] This cyst, called a syrinx, can expand and elongate over time, destroying the spinal cord. The damage may result in loss of feeling, paralysis, weakness,[4] and stiffness in the back, shoulders, and extremities. Syringomyelia may also cause a loss of the ability to feel extremes of hot or cold, especially in the hands. It may also lead to a cape-like bilateral loss of pain and temperature sensation along the upper chest and arms. The combination of symptoms varies from one patient to another depending on the location of the syrinx within the spinal cord, as well as its extent.

Syringomyelia has a prevalence estimated at 8.4 cases per 100,000 people,[5] with symptoms usually beginning in young adulthood. Signs of the disorder tend to develop slowly, although sudden onset may occur with coughing, straining, or myelopathy.

  1. ^ "Syringomyelia". Lexico UK English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on 2020-03-22.
  2. ^ "Syringomyelia". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 2016-01-21.
  3. ^ Lynn, D. Joanne, Newton, Herbert B. and Rae-Grant, Alexander D. eds. 5-Minute Neurology Consult, The. 2nd Edition. Two Commerce Square, 2001 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2012. Books@Ovid. Web. 03 December, 2020
  4. ^ "Neurosurgical considerations in posttraumatic syringomyelia - Home Study Program". AORN Journal. January 2003. Archived from the original on 2012-07-08. Retrieved 2009-02-12.
  5. ^ Brewis M, Poskanzer DC, Rolland C, et al., "Neurological disease in an English city". Acta Neurologica Scand Suppl 24:1--89, 1966.