Definition:

Syringomyelia is a spinal disorder characterized by the presence of abnormal fluid-filled cavities within the spinal cord. Early symptoms include headache, altered pain and temperature sensation, and paresthesia. If fluid continues to enlarge the cyst, the syrinx has the potential to compress or destroy the affected portions of the spinal cord. Surgical intervention is typically recommended to treat this condition, although a successful procedure often is limited to providing minimal neurological improvement or simply halting the deterioration. The term syringomyelia describes many pathogenetically different disorders. A popular broad grouping is a classification based on the assumed pathogenesis and association with other disorders. It has been proposed to divide the disorder into three subgroups. (1) Syringomyelia as a result of changed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics related to hindbrain disorders, e.g. Chiari malformation, Dandy-Walker syndrome, arachnoiditis or osseous abnormalities. (2) Syringomyelia as a result of intramedullary tissue damage caused by haemorrhage or infarction. (3) Syringomyelia as a result of intramedullary tumour with secretory capabilities. Other proposed classifications are based on syrinx fluid composition, central canal communication between syrinx and the fourth ventricle, or the microanatomical localisation of the syrinx.