Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia is a neurological disorder in which a fluid-filled cyst forms within the spinal cord. The syrinx can get big enough to damage the spinal cord and compress and injure the nerve fibers that carry information to and from the brain to the body. Mr Irfan malik is a recognized expert in neurosurgery, with a primary focus on Syringomyelia.

Syringomyelia

Quick Facts

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Often associated

With chiari malformation, can also result from spinal cord injury, tumor and meningitis.

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Symptoms

Tend to develop gradually and may worsen over time

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Early diagnosis and treatment

Can prevent further neurological damage. However, the condition is typically chronic, and symptoms may persist or recur even after treatment

Overview

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. 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 and stiffness in the back, shoulders and extremities

Key benefits of Syringomyelia

  1. Symptom management: early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, which can slow or prevent the worsening of symptoms such as pain, numbness and muscle weakness.
  2. Prevent complication: proper treatment can help prevent long-term complications, including worsening neurological damage or severe loss of mobility.
  3. Improved quality of life: for patients with severe symptoms, effective treatment can result in significant improvements in daily functioning, reducing pain and restoring strength and sensation
Key benefits of Syringomyelia

Related Conditions

  1. Chiari malformation
  2. Tethered cord syndrome
  3. Meningitis (arachnoiditis)
  4. Tumors of the spinal cord
  5. Trauma

Indications

Symptoms or indications can occur on one or both sides of your body and be mild or severe. Symptoms of syringomyelia include: 

  1. headaches
  2. pain down your arms, neck into the middle of your back or your legs (radiculopathy).

pre procedure

A detailed MRI of the spine and brain is performed to confirm the diagnosis, determine the size and location of the syrinx, and identify the underlying cause. Additional tests like CT scans or X-rays may be ordered to assess bone structures or abnormalities in the spine. A full neurological exam is conducted to evaluate motor function, sensory deficits, and reflexes. This helps establish a baseline to compare post-surgery results

Procedure

If syringomyelia is caused by a chiari malformation, surgery might involve removing a small section of bone at the back of the skull. This surgery can reduce pressure on the brain and spinal cord and restore the regular flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Surgery may improve or clear syringomyelia. Draining the syrinx

Post procedure

Pain medication is administered to control discomfort, specially at the incision site. Neurological function, including motor and sensory abilities, is regularly checked to ensure there is no further damage to the spinal cord. Initially patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting or movements that put strain on the spine. Over time, light exercises or physical therapy may be introduced to help regain strength and mobility

Risks of Syringomyelia

Risks of Syringomyelia

  1. Progressive neurological damage
  2. chronic pain
  3. Loss of function
  4. Bowel and bladder function
  5. scoliosis
  6. complications from surgery
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