Syringomyelia
Syringomyelia
Syringomyelia (pronunciation: /sɪˌrɪŋɡoʊmaɪˈiːliə/) is a rare disorder in which a cyst or cavity forms within the spinal cord. This cyst, known as a syrinx, can expand and elongate over time, damaging the spinal cord and causing pain, weakness, and stiffness, among other symptoms.
Etymology
The term "Syringomyelia" is derived from the Greek words "syrinx," which means pipe or tube, and "myelos," referring to the spinal cord or marrow.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Syringomyelia can vary greatly from person to person, and may include:
- Pain and weakness in the back, shoulders, arms or legs
- Stiffness in the back, arms, and legs
- Loss of sensitivity to heat and cold
- Muscle atrophy
Causes
The exact cause of Syringomyelia is unknown. However, it is often related to conditions that cause cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to not flow properly. The most common condition associated with Syringomyelia is Chiari malformation, a condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Syringomyelia typically involves a physical examination, review of symptoms, and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan.
Treatment
Treatment for Syringomyelia depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause. It may include medications for pain management, physical therapy, or surgery to drain the syrinx or correct the underlying condition causing CSF flow disruption.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Syringomyelia
- Wikipedia's article - Syringomyelia
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski