Syringomyelia is a medical condition characterized by the development of a fluid-filled syrinx or cyst on the spinal cord. If left untreated or unmanaged, it can lead to severe health complications. The primary cause of syringomyelia is often associated with Chiari malformations, although there are other potential factors to consider.
Syringomyelia Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of syringomyelia can vary in both their presence and severity from person to person. While some individuals may not experience any symptoms, others may find these symptoms to be disabling. Furthermore, the progression of the condition can be slow or non-existent.
Initially, individuals may notice muscle weakness, decreased sensitivity to temperature and pain, as well as the loss of reflexes in their hands, arms, shoulders, and the back of their neck. Alongside these, common symptoms include pain in the arms, neck, and back, muscle spasms and weakness in the legs, stiffness in the arms, shoulders, back, and legs, scoliosis (curvature of the spine), and bladder and bowel problems. In severe cases, individuals may even experience paralysis in their arms and legs.
The Complications of Syringomyelia
Syringomyelia can lead to various complications as the condition progresses. One such complication is the development of Charcot joints. When the nerve supplying a joint is damaged, it can result in chronic and progressive degeneration of the joints. These affected joints become red, swollen, and may eventually deform if left untreated.
Additionally, individuals with syringomyelia may experience problems with the autonomic nervous system. This can include a loss of bladder and bowel control, fluctuating blood pressure, and excessive sweating.
Scoliosis, which is the curvature of the spine, can also occur in some cases of syringomyelia. Another potential complication is Horner’s syndrome, a rare condition that arises from damage to one of the nerves supplying the face and eyes. Typically affecting one side of the face, Horner’s syndrome is characterized by a droopy eyelid, decreased sweating on the affected side, reduced pupil size, and an inability to fully open the eye.