What is syringomyelia, its mechanisms and consequences, and treatments?
Syringomyelia refers to the development a spinal cord cyst that results from enlargement of the central canal. The central canal is typically tiny and not visible on magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the spinal cord. As many as 15% of people develop a syringomyelic cyst in their spinal cords and 5% may show symptoms of pain and loss of function associated with cyst enlargement, as early as one month and as late as 45 years after injury. Pain is the most commonly reported symptom associated with syringomyelia. Other symptoms include increased weakness, loss of sensation, greater spasticity, and increased sweating. The symptoms may be aggravated by postural changes and Valsalva maneuver (that increase pressure in the chest). It may also be associated with changes in bladder reflexes, autonomic dysreflexia, painless joint deformity or swelling, increased spasticity, dissociation of sensation and temperature, respiratory impairment. Syringomyelic cysts can be observed with MRI scans. It i
