Syringomyelia is a chronic disorder of the spinal cord which consists of the formation of a fluid-filled cyst, also known as a syrinx, in the spinal cord. As the cyst enlarges over time, it can cause deterioration of the nerves.
Syringomyelia is a chronic disorder of the spinal cord which consists of the formation of a fluid-filled cyst, also known as a syrinx, in the spinal cord. As the cyst enlarges over time, it can cause deterioration of the nerves.
The prevalence of Syringomyelia is approximately eight per 100,000 individuals.
Name | Abbreviation |
---|---|
SM | SM |
A syrinx may be caused by trauma to the spine or by a Chiari I malformation. Normally, the lower back area of the brain sits above an opening in the skull that allows the spinal cord to pass through it. Chiari malformation is a congenital malformation of the lower back area of the skull that allows the brain to protrude beyond that opening. This causes a disruption in the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, the protective fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. This is the primary known cause of Syringomyelia. It is currently estimated that Chiari malformation results in approximately one-third of all currently known Syringomyelia cases.
An important gene often associated with this disorder is ACY1 (aminoacylase 1). Mutations of this protein-coding gene will usually cause central nervous system defects.
There are several neurological symptoms that may affect people with Syringomyelia. It may cause muscle atrophy or muscle wasting, loss of reflexes, and loss of sensitivity to pain and temperature. Other symptoms include having stiffness in the back, legs, shoulders, and arms, pain in the neck, arms, and back, and having bowel and bladder function problems.
Name | Description |
---|---|
Severe pain | Severe pain, including pain induced vomiting. |
Loss of feeling | Temporary or permanent loss of feeling in various parts of the body. |
Tingling or throbbing pain | Sharp tingling or throbbing pain in un-isolated parts of the body |
Loss of hot and/or cold sensations | Loss of hot and/or cold sensations in some areas of the skin. |
Hot and cold sweats | Sudden hot and cold sweats. |
Shooting pain | Shooting pain in the arms and/or legs. |
Weakness | Weakness |
Headaches | Persistent extremely bad headaches. |
Stroke | Stroke |
Blindness | Blindness |
Paraplegia | Paraplegia |
Quadriplegia | Quadriplegia |
Vertigo | Dizziness |
The diagnosis of syringomyelia typically begins with a complete physical examination. If syringomyelia is suspected to be present, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will likely follow.
An MRI is able to visualize the presence of a syrinx in the spinal cord or other abnormalities related to syringomyelia such as Chiari malformation.
Currently, there is no known medical treatment for patients with Syringomyelia; however, there are available surgical treatments. The type of surgery performed will depend on the type of Syringomyelia. In Chiari malformation, the surgery will help provide more space at the bottom of the skull and the upper neck. This type of surgery will usually result in stabilization or even improvements in symptoms. Other types of surgeries may involve draining the syrinx using a system known as the shunt. A shunt can slow down symptoms and relieve pain.
There is no cure, however, surgery may yield either temporary (in most cases) or permanent relief. Those who are not a candidate for surgery may be treated with pain management where controlled substances are commonly used. Some cases will yield no pain and, consequently, no treatment will be necessary other than periodic MRI scans to monitor the progression of the disorder.
Name | Description |
---|---|
Get regular MRI Scans to Monitor Progression | You should have MRI or CT Scans performed at least once a year or every 6 months to monitor the progression of the condition, if any. If your neurological symptoms appear to be getting worse it would be a good idea to have an MRI or CT scan as soon as possible. If you have no symptoms you may opt to go for a scan at least every 2 years due to the severity of this disorder. |
Social Security Disability | If you have been diagnosed with Syringomyelia you should consider immediately applying for Social Security Disability the moment you are symptomatic or receive the diagnosis. This disorder is considered a disability by Social Security. |
Consult with a Neurologist immediately upon diagnosis. | Upon diagnosis of Syringomyelia, an immediate consultation with a neurologist that is familiar with SM is advised. Knowing the status of your condition should be your first step. |
Adjusting to a new lifestyle - Acceptance | When you become afflicted with this disorder you will likely have to adjust to a new lifestyle, one of less physical activity most likely. You may be unable to do many of the things you used to, which can be very frustrating. Instead of being angry and upset, understand this is a process, alot like grieving over the death of a loved one. You will likely go through the same stages which include denial, anger, self pitty and then acceptance. You must learn to accept the changes and limitations you now have. If you need to speak with someone call the Syringomyelia Foundation (http://www.SyringomyeliaFoundation.org). They have counselors and case managers available to listen and provide advise and guidance for your particular case. Sometimes just talking to someone who knows what you are going through can make a huge difference. |
Be Your Own Best Advocate | You will likely face medical staff that has no clue what Syringomyelia is. Therefore, you should be as informed about the disorder, and your own case, as much as possible. Keep a binder of your medical records including a list of your current medications so that you are able to share the information with specialists or hospital staff should you have complications and require medical care. This will be particularly handy in the event of a medical emergency. Many of the neurological symptoms of SM are unknown to most medical professionals so educating them about your case (using your binder) will only help you receive better care. |
Does anyone else have problems with frequent falls? I have fallen six times in six weeks! My left leg slides out like I am doing the splits. I have absolutely no control over it. I end up dropping down on my right knee—which stays bruised and swollen. When I fall I hit my pelvis hard and pull my hamstring so badly that the back of my leg bruises from my pelvis to just below my knee. I totally loose feeling in my left leg when I fall. Then it has sever pins and needles with a deep deep ache. Finally I get feeling back in my leg. However, for several days afterward, I experience, weakness, pins and needles and cramps off and on, with a constant underlying deep ache. I have fallen wearing shoes, barefooted, and while using a cane. I don’t know what to do!
I found out what the vibrations were! The syringomyelia has started causing scoliosis. The neurologist said that the vibrations are my body trying to resist and readjust my spin as the deformity progresses. She prescribed tizanadine, gabapentin, and water therapy. These things have really helped.
I can't remember my details.. It's like t something to C something. I have trouble holding my neck up sometimes.. And walking or standing has been making me feel sick lately. But I do get creepy crawly feeling in my head sometimes. Sorry dunno why the comment went thru 3 times
I have a small syringohydromyelia extending from T8 to T12 measuring up to 3 mm in cross-section at the T9 level.
I've used essential oils (mainly lavender and peppermint but possibly eucalyptus too) as a roll on applied directly to the source of a lot of my pain (ie shoulders and neck). I also use pain patches containing similar ingredients, I believe. If I apply them as tension and stiffness builds up, they can prevent my headaches from developing. The pain patches seem to be pretty successful in treating a semi-established headache too!
It's been awhile but I'm back! Been dealing with a lot since I've been gone. I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis as well and recently discovered that the steroids that give me relief from the bone eating pain of RA have caused kidney disease. Anyway, I was curious if anyone has used essential oils at all to help with any of the symptoms of SM?
Hello
im sorry to hear about this! I don’t have much experience with this in children as I’m 30. However I do know that while you need to get in to see a specialist very soon it may not be cause for panic. Usually they are slow growing and it looks like his isn’t too big yet. I think he’ll be ok at least until you see the specialist. For me the worst part is the pain. Make sure the dr knows that this can cause pain for people and that they address that for your son. It may be hard to figure out if he is non verbal but everyone deserves adequate treatment for pain-even children and a lot of drs don’t address that aspect. It can be hard to find a good dr for this so my advice is to keep looking if you don’t get the answers you need! It is very frustrating to search for a dr that is educated in this but they do exist so please keep looking if you don’t get the answers you need. If all else fails you may need to go to Mayo Clinic but don’t give up.
On Monay July 10, 2017 my 8 year old son Svenn had an MRI of the spine and brain...his second MRI (1st was just his brain). Tuesday I received a call from his care coordinator at Shriners Hospital Salt Lake City where his Dr. is from whom ordered the MRI (2nd Dr. to see him there for treatment for his Clubbed foot), any ways we were informed he had a Syringomylia in his spine and to seek out a Pediatric Neurosurgeron immediately. I have been calling ever since Tuesday July 11th to try to get him into see one. I have been doing extensive research and am so scared that he may end up with nerve damage or paralysis. So far the only symptoms that I can determine are periodic bladder and/or bowel control. He is a non-verbal child and does his best to communicate his needs, feelings and wants. All of his Orthopedic care is put on hold until the Syringomylia is addressed and properly diagnosed and treated accordingly. Any thoughts and information is greatly appreciated. Below is a picture of Svenn's Syrongomylia.
2muchpain, I am sorry to hear of your many spinal problems. I don't have nearly as many as you. So far my treatment has manly been to control involuntary movements and pain. Gabapentin worked very well in high doses. I have been able to get off of it now because the involuntary movements have eased considerably. I recently have tested positive for rheumatoid arthritis. I am still working full-time but am completely exhausted by the end of the day. My syrinx shrunk by half for a while but has increased in size lately. My spine problems are mild compared to yours. Most every disk has mild problems but none need surgery. I can't imagine the pain and exhaustion you must experience.
2muchpain... I too have a syrinx T2-T10, no Chiari malfomration. I am wondering what kind of treatment they had for you? I was also recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, also have 15 bulging discs with 6 herniated and touching the spinal cord (from Cervical to Thoracic). I have been pushed around from doctor to doctor, now waiting for a call to the University hospital an hour drive north. Initially the surgeon from my local area was going to do surgery for the herniated thoracic discs but decided against it when imaging showed two more herniations of cervical spine. She did NOT feel that the syrinx was my problem. Can't find much online that has information I need until I see the University physician I guess. I was diagnosed with syrinx first week February 2015...still in pain, still limited energy, numbness/tingling in all extremities. Curious to hear how ypou are doing and what treatment you got, did it work? thanks
Cendriah, I have had low grade temperatures for almost 7 months, 99.8-100.8 is average temp. A recent MRI showed a syrinx T 1-2 to T 10-11 and I am in the beginning stages of treatment. I have not had a cervical MRI yet or a brain MRI. My neurosurgeon appointment is in 5 weeks, wants me to do physical therapy while I wait. My syrinx has caused (or something has caused) 13 bulging discs in my thoracic spine and 6 of the bulges are impinging on nerves. I started noticing symptoms about 3-4 yrs ago and have seen many specialist. Ericatom1, this fall 2014 was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, so when that diagnosis was given all the specialist kind of ran and were done. I struggle with fatigue, pain, nausea and muscular dysfunction every day. I hate the narcotics and only use them at night, or after attempt to do chores (like mowing the grass). So, I rely on multiple doses of ibuprofen, so I can at least attempt to go to work. Any hints of getting through day to day would be most helpful! Thanks
Has anyone else experienced the feeling of vibrations down their spinal cord? It is driving me crazy! It is like the top of my head is touching a wall with a very large motor behind it and the vibrations from the motor travel from the top of my head all the way down my spine. Sometimes the vibrations extend down to the tip of my nose, the tip of my fingers and the tip of my toes. I am also having a pulsating roaring in my right ear that has not stopped for a month.
Sorry, I started on another persons newly diagnosed post: Hi All, I am also new here. I am 50 years old. Just trying to figure out my next step. To make a long story short I have had about 3-4 years of general muscle weakness, fatigue and bone pain. I am usually active, hiking, skiing (snow and water), camping, ect. I ruptured my L5-S1 disc around 1998 and had complete relief/recovery after a laminectomy. This time around I have seen many doctors to include neurology, infections control (because I have unexplained low grade fevers), a rheumatologist (who is now treating me for rheumatoid arthritis since this fall 2014). I am in pain all day, every day. I get limited narcotics (X60 tablets Vicodin every month) so I use them sparingly, usually at night or after yard work or easy house chores. I cannot function on narcotics during the day at work. I use large doses of ibuprofen and aspirins 4 times a day with muscle relaxers but my pain is never below 6-7/10. During this time I have been told I may have possible Parkinsons disease (because of the extremity weakness and tremors), osteoarthritis (because of my bone pain), myositis (because of muscle disfunction), told I may have fibromyalgia and now Rheumatoid arthritis. I am a nurse and are familiar with these conditions and I know I do NOT Have fibromyalgia….“my muscles don’t hurt, my bones and spine hurt” is what I keep telling my doctors, which in fibromyalgia your muscles hurt. I was not familiar and have never heard about this spinal condition. A few months ago my doctor even referred me to a Pain Clinic for cognitive behavior therapy and doubled my antidepressant dose! The symptoms have been coming for about 3-4 yrs now but this last summer I got a bug bite after a Mexico trip that turned into a bad abcess and infection, this increased all my symptoms about 50 times more than they had been! My doc sent me to ER twice this last month for severe pain around my mid section, like a burning vice. The ED ruled out urinary infection, heart attack, kidney stones, ovary tumors and appendicitis. My PCP requested an MRI twice over this time period, last October being the last request but my insurance has denied both requests. I appealed but the MRI was still denied. The second ER visit the doctor did an MRI on lumbar and thoracic spine which showed a syrinx T2- T11, 2cm wide. ALSO I have 13 bulging discs (yes 13!) with 6 of them impinging on nerves, in thoracic area. They put me on steroids, sent me home with narcotic pain meds + anti nausea meds and told me to get into a neurosurgeon in 7 days. It is now 14 days after Dx and my appt with the surgeon is not for 5 weeks away! When asked if I could get in sooner I was told no, that the surgeon wants me to do a month of Physical therapy first, then see her. There has been no mention of additional films, I expected an MRI of my cervical spine and brain, to see the extent of the syrinx and see why my cerebral spinal fluid is leaking, also to rule out tumors, Chiari. Sorry, I am rambling. Anyway, I am wondering if this was what you all had to go thru, the long wait time to even be seen? Everywhere I read it states that it is urgent to find why I am having a CSF leak and prevention of further bulging discs, rupture disc or permanent nerve damage. I already have numbness/tingling in all four extremeties, my back feels like 2X4 lumber pieces in my spine, I have problems closing my sphincter after a bowel movement (it takes a while to close). My function is about 25% per my usua lasy yearl, I am clumsy, trip often, drop things, bump into doors and I have nausea daily, etc. My PCP has told me not to do ANYTHING with any straining, not even walk my dogs, until I see the neurosurgeon. I can’t even work with this pain and fatique. Thank goodness my job is allowing me to be gone so much. SO….should I look for another neurosurgeon that can see me sooner or am I jumping the gun and should be fine to wait 5 more weeks to be seen and another (who knows) how many weeks to get authorized imaging and possible surgery? I feel like I am going to be down and sick all of this spring or longer….I love spring!!! I thought I would have already had surgery by now! My biggest worry is permanent nerve damage. Any insight will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Title | Description | Date | Link |
---|---|---|---|
Syringomyelia Foundation |
AWARENESS BRACELETS AVAILABLE!
The goals of the Christopher S. Burton Syringomyelia Foundation are to:
-raise and distribute funds to those who are diagnosed and can demonstrate a financial and medical need;
-assist with short or long term financial assistance while social services are pending or insufficient;
-educate the medical community, and;
-raise awareness in the general public in hopes of finding a cure someday soon.
|
03/20/2017 | |
Chiari and Syringomyelia Online Community |
Here you can meet others with Syringomyelia (SM) or Chiari Malformation (CM), share experiences and collaborate research. Here you can find help...and hope. Here, you can find people who truly understand what you are going through and care how you feel. Here you can find plenty of friends to help walk this path with you. You are not alone. There is power in numbers…let us be heard! |
03/20/2017 |
CoRDS, or the Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford, is based at Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It provides researchers with a centralized, international patient registry for all rare diseases. This program allows patients and researchers to connect as easily as possible to help advance treatments and cures for rare diseases. The CoRDS team works with patient advocacy groups, individuals and researchers to help in the advancement of research in over 7,000 rare diseases. The registry is free for patients to enroll and researchers to access.
Enrolling is easy.
After these steps, the enrollment process is complete. All other questions are voluntary. However, these questions are important to patients and their families to create awareness as well as to researchers to study rare diseases. This is why we ask our participants to update their information annually or anytime changes to their information occur.
Researchers can contact CoRDS to determine if the registry contains participants with the rare disease they are researching. If the researcher determines there is a sufficient number of participants or data on the rare disease of interest within the registry, the researcher can apply for access. Upon approval from the CoRDS Scientific Advisory Board, CoRDS staff will reach out to participants on behalf of the researcher. It is then up to the participant to determine if they would like to join the study.
Visit sanfordresearch.org/CoRDS to enroll.
30 yr old female with thoracic syringomyelia, thoracic scoliosis, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease
Syrinx found on thoracic from MRI done Feb 11, 2020. Started feeling stiffness in legs in January in morning. July first I went to ER with extreme back pain but sent home. Just...
Hello,
My name is lisa and I am a mother of 2. My youngest Samantha who is 7 was diagnosed with scoliosis at 3, and when we went for the MRI we found out she had other rare stuff going on with her...
I have Graves Disease over size heart valve cyst on kidney 4 cyst in each breast tremors depression and anixtey asthma COPD arthritis in lumbar spine pinch nerve in left hand white matter disease...
In 2012 I was diagnosed with SMAS. I had duodenojejunostomy at Johns Hopkins Dec 2012. I continue to struggle with digestive issues, and have also been diagnosed with Nutcracker Syndrome, Pelvic...
123Genetix is an innovative not-for-profit organization created to advance rare disease research with our predictive computer modeling technology. We believe that rare should not mean forgotten. To...
I am the mother of an 8 year old Son named Svenn who was Diagnosed July 10, 2017 with a Syringomylia (SM) / Syrinx in his spinal cord between his shoulders area. I created this account in hopes I...
...
I am uppilikrishnan.
I have finished msc software engineer.
At age of 18 i was suffered syringomyelia .
I was operated in 2000.
De-tethered spinal cord 2007
Bells Palsy 2007
Neuro spinal stimulator installed 2010
30 yr old female with thoracic syringomyelia, thoracic scoliosis, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease
Even though I had a previous diagnosis of gait instability evidence of progression in MRIs over an 8 year...
I'm in chronic pain but try so hard to...
...
I have Syringomyelia. My syrinx is small, extending from T8 to T12 measuring up to 3 mm in cross-section at the T9 level. I was diagnosed with Adult Onset Still's Disease in...
friends. Well i'm getting the last laugh on them because it's taken so long...
Neurenteric cysts are extremely rare congenital...
I was diagnosed with Chiari Type 1 Malformation and Syringomyelia in 2008 and have been having a difficult time with doctors and specialists since then, not to mention coping with the symptoms.
I was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation 1 in 2004 and underwent posterior fossa decompression surgery 2/05. I also have tethered cord syndrome, pseudo tumor cerebri,...
Start your own! With a worldwide network of 8,000 users, you won't be the only member of your community for long.
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to find the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Created by EnlightenMe | Last updated 26 Feb 2015, 01:45 AM
Created by ngelso | Last updated 26 Feb 2015, 12:47 AM
Created by Ericatom1 | Last updated 26 Feb 2015, 12:45 AM
Created by EnlightenMe | Last updated 28 Jan 2015, 04:13 PM
Created by Cendriah | Last updated 20 Dec 2014, 04:37 AM
Created by Cendriah | Last updated 20 Dec 2014, 04:17 AM
Created by Denise2576 | Last updated 3 Dec 2014, 09:04 PM
Created by angelaflynn1983 | Last updated 25 Nov 2014, 02:03 AM
Created by Denise2576 | Last updated 19 Nov 2014, 12:49 AM
Join Rareshare to meet other people that have been touched by rare diseases. Learn, engage, and grow with our communities.
FIND YOUR COMMUNITYOur rare disease resources include e-books and podcasts
Community leaders are active users that have been touched by the rare disease that they are a part of. Not only are they there to help facilitate conversations and provide new information that is relevant for the group, but they are there for you and to let you know you have a support system on Rareshare.