What does Hydrosyringomyelia mean?
Syringomyelia is a long-term condition that causes fluid-filled cysts, which doctors call “syrinx,” to form inside your spinal cord. You may also hear it called hydromyelia, syringohydromyelia, or Morvan disease. You may not have symptoms, or even be aware that you have it.
Can syringomyelia be seen on MRI?
An MRI of your spine and spinal cord is the most reliable tool for diagnosing syringomyelia. An MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed images of your spine and spinal cord. If a syrinx has developed within your spinal cord, your doctor will be able to view it on the MRI .
What is a hydromyelia?
Definition. Hydromyelia refers to an abnormal widening of the central canal of the spinal cord that creates a cavity in which cerebrospinal fluid (commonly known as spinal fluid) can accumulate. As spinal fluid builds up, it may put abnormal pressure on the spinal cord and damage nerve cells and their connections.
What does syrinx pain feel like?
Symptoms of this disorder are caused by the pressure the syrinx puts on the spinal cord and the damage that follows. They may include: a progressive weakness and pain in the back, shoulders, arms, or legs. an inability to feel hot or cold.
Does syringomyelia go away?
Untreated, syrinxes tend to expand over time, though some remain stable or even disappear. Unfortunately, it is not always clear which course a syrinx will follow. Syringomyelia is also known as hydromyelia.
Can syringomyelia go away?
Can a syrinx burst?
Spinal dermoid cysts can spontaneous rupture into the syrinx cavity alone. The syrinx is filled with ruptured contents (lipid) of the dermoid cyst. Staging operations should be considered according to the patient’s symptoms. Syrinx aspiration surgery is an effective treatment for the lipid syrinx.
Can hydromyelia cause brain damage?
Injuries, underlying conditions, and certain problems during brain and spinal cord development in the womb can all cause problems with the flow of CSF. There’s also a strong link between hydromyelia and Chiari malformations. These are a type of birth defect that affects brain structure.
How common is hydromyelia?
Hydromyelia is the dilatation of the central canal of the spinal cord (Fig. 48.6). It is analogous to dilatation of the ventricles in the brain and is a relatively common occurrence in children with MMC, being present in up to 40% of patients.
Is a syrinx serious?
In some people, syringomyelia can progress and lead to serious complications. Others have no symptoms. Possible complications as a syrinx enlarges or if it damages nerves within your spinal cord include: An abnormal curve of your spine (scoliosis)
What happens if a syrinx ruptures?
Spinal fluid is thought to flow through channels that act as one-way valves: fluid flows in but little flows out. Pressure builds in the syrinx until it enlarges and ruptures, damaging normal spinal cord tissue and injuring nerve cells.
What is hydromyelia?
Hydromyelia. The term can refer to dilatation of the persistent central canal of the spinal cord which communicates with the fourth ventricle (cavity wall is lined by ependyma). It is similar to, but quite distinct from syringomyelia where there is dissection through the ependymal lining of the central canal.
What is the difference between syringomyelia and hydromyelia?
It is similar to but quite distinct from syringomyelia where there is dissection through the ependymal lining of the central canal. It is very difficult to distinguish hydromyelia from syringomyelia and hence the collective terms hydrosyringomyelia or simply ” syrinx ” are sometimes used to refer to a fluid collection within the cord.
What is an MRI machine?
An MRI machine produces detailed pictures of internal body structures. This radiology imaging technique has improved by great leaps and bounds over the years, leading to the invention of a variety of specialized MRI instruments and equipment.
What is an open MRI?
An open MRI is open on the sides or features wider openings, still requiring the patient to lie on a sliding table.