Syringomyelia, The emergence of cysts in the bone marrow

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Definitions
Syringomyelia is the appearance of fluid-filled cyst (syrinx) in the spinal cord. Over time, the cyst may enlarge, damaging the spinal cord and cause pain, weakness and stiffness.

Syringomyelia has several possible causes. Most cases of syringomyelia associated with Chiari malformation, a condition in which brain tissue protrudes into the spinal canal. Other causes of syringomyelia are spinal cord tumors, spinal cord injuries, and damage caused by inflammation around the spinal cord.



Symptom
If syringomyelia is caused by Chiari malformation, a condition in which brain tissue protrudes into the spinal canal, symptoms can begin as teens or early adulthood. In some cases, falls, minor trauma, coughing, or straining can trigger symptoms of syringomyelia.

Early signs and symptoms of syringomyelia can attack the neck, shoulders, arms and hands, among others:
1. Muscle weakness
2. Loss of reflexes
3. The loss of sensitivity to pain and temperature

The signs and symptoms of syringomyelia are:
1. Stiffness in, shoulders back, arms and legs
2. Pain in the neck, arms, and back
3. Bowel and bladder function impaired
4. Muscle weakness and spasms in the legs
5. Facial pain or numbness
6. Bone belankang curved (scoliosis)

Cause
Although it is unclear exactly how and why syringomyelia occurs, cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord berkumpuil in the spinal cord and form a fluid-filled cyst (syrinx).

Conditions and diseases can cause syringomyelia following:
1. Chiari malformation: a condition in which brain tissue protrudes into the spinal canal
2. Meningitis: inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord
3. Spinal cord tumors: tumors can interfere with the normal circulation of cerebrospinal fluid
4. Tethered spinal cord syndrome: disorders that occur due to network attached to restrict movement of the spine
5. Spinal cord injury: symptoms may occur several months or years after the injury occurred
6. Scarring in the spine: it can arise after surgery

Treatments and drugs
Treatment of syringomyelia depends on your severity and symptoms. In rare cases, the syrinx can heal itself without treatment.

Operation
If signs and symptoms of syringomyelia interfere with daily life or worse, is usually recommended to perform the operation. The goal of surgery is to relieve the pressure due to a syrinx in the spinal cord and normalize the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This type of surgery needed depends on the underlying cause of syringomyelia.

1. Treating Chiari malformation. If syringomyelia is caused by Chiari malformation, a doctor may recommend surgery to enlarge the opening at the base of the skull (suboccipital craniectomy) and extended to reach the brain (dura mater). Surgery may reduce pressure on the brain and spinal cord, normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid, and in many cases, cure syringomyelia.
2. Draining the syrinx. To drain the syrinx, the doctor may insert an operation called a shunt. This operation consists of a flexible tube with a valve that keeps fluid from the syrinx flowing in the desired direction. One end of the pipe is placed in the syrinx and the other placed outside the spinal cord. Shunt remained in the spine after surgery. In some cases, doctors may be able to drain the syrinx during surgery with a small tube (catheter).
3. Appointment of obstruction. If something in the spinal cord, such as tumors or bone growth, inhibit the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, removal of the obstruction can restore the normal flow and allows fluid to drain from the syrinx.
4. Correcting abnormalities. If the spinal deformity inhibits the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, surgery to correct abnormalities can restore the flow of liquid and allow the syrinx to deflate.

Surgery is not always effective to restore the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, and the syrinx may still exist.

Follow-up care
Follow-up care after surgery is critical because syringomyelia may recur. Examination should be done regularly with your doctor to evaluate operating results. Another possible syrinx to form, thus requiring additional surgery. Even after treatment, some of the signs and symptoms of syringomyelia may amsih survive because of the syrinx can cause permanent spinal cord damage.

Sources: MayoClinic