Y4 Syringomyelia

Question 1

What causes syringomyelia ?

Answer 1

tubular cavity in central canal of the cervical cord.

- it compresses and damages part of your spinal cord from its center outward.

Question 2

what movements/behaviours can make the symptoms of syringomyelia worse?

Answer 2

on coughing, sneezing as ↑ pressure → extension

Question 3

state 4 cardinal signs of syringomyelia ?

Answer 3

1. Dissociated Sensory Loss
   􏰁 - Absent pain and temperature → scars from burns 􏰁
   - Preserved touch, proprioception and vibration.
   - 􏰁 Root distribution reflects syrinx location
   􏰂 - Usually upper limbs and chest: “cape”
2. Wasting/weakness of hands ± Claw hand
3. Loss of reflexes in upper limb
4. Charcot Joints

Question 4

what could cause the syrinx to form ?

Answer 4

blocked CSF circulation
- arnold chiari malformation

spina bifida

cord tumours

cord trauma

Question 5

what investigation should be done for syringomyelia ?

Answer 5

MRI

Question 6

what is the treatment for syringomyelia ?

Answer 6

treat the cause

Question 7

what happens to touch/vibration/proprioception
and
pain/temp
with syringomyelia ?

Answer 7

pain/temp is affected

touch/vibration/proprioception is preserved