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Syringomyelia
From WikEM
Contents
Background
- Fluid filled cyst (syrinx) within the spinal cord which can expand or elongate over time, destroying surrounding spinal cord tissue.
- Can be due to 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.
- Typically occurs in the C2 and T9 distribution.
- Most commonly occurs in patients with a pre-existing Chiari malformation.
- Usually seen in young adults
- Most commonly insidious in onset but the effects of the cyst may manifest suddenly after coughing or sneezing
- Two forms
Clinical Features
- "Cape-like" distribution of:
- Paralysis
- Paresthesias
- Pain
- stiffness of the back, shoulders, and extremities
- loss of ability to sense extreme hot or cold in the hands
