Syringomyelia

Overview

Syringomyelia is a neurological disorder characterized by the existence of a fluid-filled cavity inside the parenchyma or central canal of the spinal cord. It is most commonly found in association with type 1 Chiari malformations (CMs). Spinal cord tumors, trauma, and post-traumatic or infectious adhesive arachnoiditis are also recognized etiologies.

Although syringomyelia can cause sensory signs like pain and temperature sensitivity, it is more usually discovered inadvertently. The growing use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluating neck or back discomfort has resulted in an increase in the identification of syringomyelia. Up to 5% of paraplegias are caused by syringomyelia.