Syringomyelia is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal cavity or cyst formation in the spinal cord. It usually occurs due to the blockage of cerebrospinal fluid flow or disruption of its normal circulation. The symptoms of syringomyelia can vary from person to person. It is typically caused by a trauma, a tumor affecting the spinal cord, or a congenital abnormality. Diagnosis and treatment can vary depending on the symptoms and the patient’s condition. Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used for diagnosis. Treatment options include surgical intervention, fluid drainage procedures, and medications to alleviate symptoms.
Causes of Syringomyelia
The exact causes of syringomyelia are not fully understood, but several potential factors are believed to contribute to its development:
Congenital Anomalies: Syringomyelia can be associated with congenital spinal or central nervous system anomalies in some individuals.
Trauma: Spinal cord injuries or repetitive traumas can affect cerebrospinal fluid circulation or the tissues surrounding the spinal cord.
Cystic Lesions: Cysts in or around the spinal cord can cause syringomyelia to occur.
Tumors: Spinal cord tumors can disrupt the normal functioning of the spinal cord, contributing to the development of syringomyelia.
Inflammatory Diseases: Some inflammatory diseases are believed to cause syringomyelia by affecting the tissues surrounding the spinal cord.
Genetic Factors: Family history can increase the risk of syringomyelia.
Symptoms of Syringomyelia
Symptoms of syringomyelia can vary from person to person, and the symptoms can differ depending on the location, severity, and size of the syringomyelia:
- kronik boyun ve sırt ağrısı (chronic neck and back pain)
- kollarda ve ellerde zayıflık (weakness in the arms and hands)
- bacaklarda hissizlik veya zayıflık (numbness or weakness in the legs)
- baş ağrısı (headache)
- kas zayıflığı (muscle weakness)
- koordinasyon problemleri (coordination problems)
- refleks kaybı (loss of reflexes)
- iskelet deformiteleri (skeletal deformities)
Diagnosis of Syringomyelia
The diagnosis of syringomyelia is usually made using a series of medical imaging tests:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is the most commonly used imaging test to diagnose and assess syringomyelia.
Computed Tomography Scan: CT scan is another imaging method that can show the structures of the spinal cord and its surroundings in more detail.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Magnetic Resonance Angiography: It can be used to evaluate vascular problems underlying syringomyelia.
Neurological Examination: A neurological examination is performed in patients suspected of having syringomyelia.
Lumbar Puncture: Rarely, lumbar puncture or examination of cerebrospinal fluid may be necessary.
Treatment of Syringomyelia
The treatment of syringomyelia can vary depending on the patient’s symptoms, the size, location, and cause of syringomyelia:
Surgical Intervention: Surgical intervention is one of the most commonly used methods in the treatment of syringomyelia.
Syringo-subarachnoid Shunt Surgery: This surgical method is used to restore the normal circulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the spinal cord.
Fenestration Surgery: In this method, an opening is created in the membranes surrounding the spinal cord to allow the fluid to flow freely from the cyst or cavity.
Symptomatic Treatment: Other treatment options that can be used when surgical intervention is not appropriate or to alleviate symptoms include pain management, increasing muscle strength, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and controlling other symptoms.
Regular Follow-up and Monitoring: Some individuals with syringomyelia can live with mild symptoms, and surgical intervention may not be necessary.
Management of Syringomyelia
The management of syringomyelia varies depending on the patient’s symptoms, the size, location, and cause of syringomyelia:
Regular Doctor Follow-up: An individual diagnosed with syringomyelia should be regularly monitored by a neurologist or specialist physician.
Monitoring of Symptoms: Regular monitoring of symptoms is important to understand how the individual responds to syringomyelia.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs can help alleviate syringomyelia symptoms.
Pain Management: Syringomyelia can cause chronic pain. Therefore, pain management is important to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Surgical Treatment: If the symptoms of syringomyelia are severe or progression cannot be stopped, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important in the management of syringomyelia.
Psychological Support: Syringomyelia can cause psychological stress and emotional difficulties.
Education and Awareness: Both the patient and family members should receive education about syringomyelia and understand the condition.
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