Syringomyelia
Syringomyelia occurs when fluid filled cysts form in your spinal cord causing pressure or obstructing nerves.
There are several reasons syringomyelia may develop including a spinal injury, spinal tumours, scar tissue that develops after surgery or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord). A disorder called a hindbrain hernia (sometimes called Chiari Malformation) causes the lower part of your brain to protrude into your spinal canal causing a blockage.
Symptoms of syringomyelia can include muscle weakness or atrophy, loss of reflex or pain in the neck, arms or back and in severe cases spinal curvature (scoliosis).
It is important to remember that the symptoms of syringomyelia can appear as a result of other disorders. Our experienced neurology and spinal consultants can diagnose and treat syringomyelia in a hospital near you.