Symptoms
Many different complaints can be attributed to syringomyelia, since its location often affects several nerve tracts and cells without a direct functional connection, but which can be assigned a certain lesion height by observing their combination. Syringomyelia is characterized by perceptual disorders such as a decrease in fine or coarse sensation, but also pain and tingling sensations, lowered or increased temperature sensation, a disorder of the position and sense of position of joints and muscles, as well as muscle paralysis or spasticity. Faecal and urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunctions such as impotence can occur, as can speech, swallowing and coordination disorders in the case of syringomyelia, which is located particularly high up in the spinal cord. Disturbed control of blood vessels can lead to circulatory and wound healing disorders, as well as rarely described memory disorders or psychological abnormalities. While the height of the syringes in the spinal cord is consistent with the symptoms it causes, their size is not necessarily related to the severity of the disease symptoms.
Diagnosis
In order to diagnose syringomyelia, the observation of the clinical picture (combination of the above-mentioned symptoms) and the comparatively slow progression of the disease offers the neurologist the possibility of anatomically limiting the location of the event. At this point, an MRI scan of the brain and spinal cord is usually taken, on which the syringes are usually quickly identified. In a special MRI image, the circulation of the nerve fluid can also be assessed in order to evaluate the relevance of the syringes as a barrier to passage.
A liquor puncture and its examination provides information about acute inflammatory processes. Finally, the medical history can be used to reconcile any past events that may explain syringomyelia with the findings. To make a diagnosis of syringomyelia, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the spine should be performed. In most cases, the cavity in the spinal cord is located at the level of the cervical or thoracic region (HWSBWS), where it leads to compression of the nerve cords surrounding the cavity.For final clarification, however, an MRI of the entire spine should always be performed.
