What is the main cause of syringomyelia?

The majority of cases of syringomyelia are associated with a complex brain abnormality known as a Chiari malformation. Additional known causes of syringomyelia include tethered cord syndrome, meningitis (arachnoiditis), certain tumors of the spinal cord, and trauma.

Is a syrinx serious?

In some people, syringomyelia can progress and lead to serious complications. Others have no symptoms. Possible complications as a syrinx enlarges or if it damages nerves within your spinal cord include: An abnormal curve of your spine (scoliosis)

Is Hydromyelia serious?

Hydromyelia develops when a fluid-filled cyst forms in your brain’s fourth ventricle. Some children experience no symptoms or mild symptoms that don’t need treatment. Moderate to severe symptoms can impact daily life but may improve with a shunt. Some children need more than one shunting procedure.

Is syringomyelia a disease?

What is syringomyelia? Syringomyelia is a disorder in which a fluid-filled cyst (called a syrinx) forms within the spinal cord. Over time, the syrinx can get bigger and can damage the spinal cord and compress and injure the nerve fibers that carry information to the brain and from the brain to the rest of the body.

Can syringomyelia be cured?

There is no cure at the present time. However, we are advocating for continued research for a cure. What are the symptoms of Syringomyelia? The symptoms of Syringomyelia can directly relate to the location of the syrinx inside the spinal cord.

Can syringomyelia go away?

Treat the underlying cause. In the cases where hydrocephalus or Chiari malformation are causing the syrinx, the surgeon will treat the underlying cause and the syrinx will usually shrink or disappear. For patients with spinal cord tumors, removal of the tumor will usually also result in resolution of the syrinx.

Can syrinx be cured?

Is there a cure for Syringomyelia? There is no cure at the present time.

Can syrinx go away?

Untreated, syrinxes tend to expand over time, though some remain stable or even disappear. Unfortunately, it is not always clear which course a syrinx will follow. Syringomyelia is also known as hydromyelia.

Can Hydromyelia cause brain damage?

Injuries, underlying conditions, and certain problems during brain and spinal cord development in the womb can all cause problems with the flow of CSF. There’s also a strong link between hydromyelia and Chiari malformations. These are a type of birth defect that affects brain structure.

What is the difference between syringomyelia and Hydromyelia?

Syringomyelia is the development of a fluid-filled cavity or syrinx within the spinal cord. Hydromyelia is a dilatation of the central canal by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and may be included within the definition of syringomyelia. The following are types of syringomyelia.

How long can you live with syringomyelia?

Lately, the number of patients that remain stable grow, although an older study suggested that 20% of patients suffering from Syringomyelia died at an average age of 47[4].

Can you live a normal life with syringomyelia?