Syringomyelia: A Cyst in the Spinal Cord

Syringomyelia is a rare disorder in which a cyst forms in the spinal cord. The cyst, called a syrinx, grows larger and longer over time and destroys part of the cord.

Symptoms

Damage from the syrinx can cause:

• pain and weakness in the back, shoulders, arms or legs;
• headaches;
• being unable to feel heat or cold.

Symptoms depend on the size and location of the syrinx, and often begin in early adulthood. Some people have no symptoms and may not need treatment.

Causes

Syringomyelia usually results from a skull abnormality called a Chiari I malformation. It can also be caused by:

• a tumour;
• meningitis;
• physical injury.

Treatment

• Surgery is the main treatment.
• Some people also need the syrinx drained.
• Medicines can help ease pain.

Sources

• "Syringomyelia," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, drawing on the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH). https://medlineplus.gov/syringomyelia.html
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.