Description: Syringomyelia is a generic term referring to a disorder in which a cyst or cavity forms within the spinal cord. This cyst, called a syrinx, can expand and elongate over time, destroying the spinal cord. Since the spinal cord connects the brain to nerves in the extremities, this damage may result in pain, weakness, and stiffness in the back, shoulders, arms, or legs. Syringomyelia may also cause a loss of the ability to feel extremes of hot or cold, especially in the hands. Each patient experiences a different combination of symptoms. These symptoms typically vary depending on the extent and, often more critically, to the location of the syrinx within the spinal cord. Other, more common disorders share the early symptoms of syringomyelia. In the past, this has made diagnosis difficult. The advent of one diagnostic test, however, called magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, has significantly increased the number of syringomyelia cases diagnosed in the beginning stages of the disorder. Syringomyelia has a prevalence estimated at 8.4 cases per 100,000 people, or about 21,000 Americans, 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. Syringomyelia may lead to progressive weakness in the extremities, loss of hand sensation, chronic pain and potentially total paralysis, if not treated surgically.
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