Syringomyelia
Definition
Syringomyelia is damage to the spinal cord due to the formation of a fluid-filled area within the cord.
Alternative Names
SyrinxCauses
The fluid build-up seen in syringomyelia may be a result of spinal cord trauma, tumors of the spinal cord, or birth defects.
The fluid-filled area (cavity) most often begins in the neck area. It expands slowly, putting pressure on the spinal cord and slowly causing damage.
Syringomyelia may occur in certain developmental problems of the nervous system, including Chiari malformations.
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