Syringomyelia Flashcards
What is syringomyelia?
Collection of cerebrospinal fluid within the spinal cord
What is the most common associated cause of syringomyelia?
A Chiari malformation
What is a chiari malformation?
Brain tissue extends into the spinal canal
What are the other possible causes of syringomyelia?
trauma
tumours
idiopathic
What is the main presenting feature of syringomyelia?
Pain and temperature loss due to spinothalamic tract damage in a ‘shawl-like distribution’ over the arms, shoulders and upper body
What sensations are affected in someone with syringomyeliai?
Pain and temperature
What sensations are preserved in someone with syringomyelia?
Light touch
Proprioception
Vibration
What are the other features of syringomyelia?
spastic weakness (lower limbs)
neuropathic pain
upgoing plantars
Bladder and bowel dysfunction
What are the 2 main investigations for a syringomyelia?
MRI spine- exclude a tumour or tethered cord
MRI brain- exclude a Chiari malformation
How can syringomyelia be managed?
Physiotherapy and rehabilition
Surgery- where there are symptoms, depending on the nature of the lesion
What is the management syringomyelia with persistent symptoms?
A shunt into the syrinx can be placed
