MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is the leading diagnostic tool used in determining SM. The MR imager takes pictures of body structures, such as the brain and spinal cord, in vivid detail. MRI Testing will show the syrinx in the spine or any other conditions, such as the presence of a tumor. MRI is safe, painless, and informative and has greatly improved the diagnosis of syringomyelia.

What is syringomyelia?

Syringomyelia is a disorder in which a cyst forms within the spinal cord This cyst called a syrinx expands and elongates over time destroying the center of the cord Since the spinal cord connects the brain to the nerves in the extremities this damage may result in pain weakness and stiffness in the back shoulders arms or legs Other symptoms may include headaches and loss of the ability to feel extremes of hot or cold especially in the hands and disruption in body temperature SM may also adversely affect sweating sexual function and bladder and bowel control.

What causes Syringomyelia?

• Trauma to the spinal cord or congenital developmental problems of the brain and/or spinal cord may result in SM

o Spinal cord trauma such as a car accident or serious fall may manifest years later as SM

- OR -

o Congenital developmental problems, sometimes undetectable may result in syringomyelia

In either case the condition may lie dormant and undetected for months or years until a symptom or variety of symptoms become bothersome enough to warrant medical attention. Many people with SM are not diagnosed until mid-life.

What are the different forms of Syringomyelia?

Generally, there are two forms of SM. The disorder may be related to a congenital abnormality of the brain called Arnold Chiari malformation. A syrinx may then develop in the cervical region of the spinal cord; this is referred to as communicating syringomyelia. Some people with this form of the disorder also have hydrocephalus (water on the brain), a condition in which CSF accumulates in the skull, or arachnoiditis, in which a covering of the spinal cord is inflamed.

The second major form of SM occurs as a complication of trauma, meningitis, hemmorrhage or tumor. Here, the cyst or syrinx develops in a segment of the spinal cord damaged by one or more of these conditions. The syrinx may start to expand; this is sometimes referred to as noncommunicating syringomyelia.

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