Introduction
Disorder in which a cyst/cavity “syrinx” forms within the spinal cord, can expand and elongate over time, destroying the spinal cord resulting in loss of pain, paralysis, weakness, and stiffness in the back, shoulders, and extremities.
- Fibers crossing in anterior white commissure (spinothalamic tract) are typically damaged first
- M/C site: C8–T1

Aetiology
Congenital:
- Arnold–Chiari malformation or Chiari Malformation (M/C cause)
Acquired:
- Trauma (Post-traumatic syringomyelia, PTS)
- Meningitis
- Hemorrhage
- Tumour
- Arachnoiditis
Pathophysiology
Pathological Expansion of the Central Canal of the Spinal Cord because of a Syrinx | The Syrinx Gives. (2018) Syringomyelia. Retrieved October 24, 2018, from http://humanphysiology.academy/Neurosciences%202015/Chapter%202/CL.2%20Syringomyelia.html
Clinical features
“Cape-like,” bilateral symmetrical loss of pain and temperature sensation in upper extremities
Signs and Symptoms of Syringomyelia | The Syrinx Gives. (2018) Syringomyelia. Retrieved October 24, 2018, from http://humanphysiology.academy/Neurosciences%202015/Chapter%202/CL.2%20Syringomyelia.html
Diagnosis
Investigations
Electromyography (EMG)
Imaging
MRI or CT-scan or Myelogram

Summary