Syringomyelia

Background

Syringomyelia is a fluid filled cavity within the spinal cord which can expand or elongate over time, destroying surrounding spinal cord tissue. This fluid filled cavity can be from dilation of the neural tissue surrounding the central can itself (which can lead to obstructive hydrocephalus), or it can arise from within the parenchyma of the spinal cord. Syringomyelia typically occurs in the C2 and T9 distribution. Symptoms of syringomyelia growth is typically paralysis, parasthesia, or pain, classically in a "cape-like distribution" (i.e. the back and upper extremities). Syringomyelia occurs most commonly in patients with a pre-existing Chiari malformation.