“Flute tube-like cavity formation in the spinal cord“; Syrinx = (gr.) Flute (Pl. : Syringen) ; Myelon = (gr. Mark)
Definition
Syringomyelia is a very rare disease of the spinal cord, in which a cavity is formed inside the spinal cord over a long period of time. Various triggering factors are discussed. The cavity formation leads to neurological symptoms by taking up space, depending on the affected nerve cells and pathways, up to a complete paraplegic syndrome.
A further distinction is made between syringobulbia, a syringomyelia, which is located so high in the spinal cord that it also affects lower parts of the brain. Syringoencephaly, on the other hand, is a clinical picture limited to the brain itself. Syringobulbia is a subtype of syringomyelia.
In syringomyelia, the cavity in the spinal cord formed by the outflow disturbance is usually located at the level of the cervical or thoracic vertebrae. In syringobulbia, on the other hand, the cavity usually extends further up to the so-called midbrain (= mesencephalon), a part of the brain, and can thus even influence the control of basic bodily functions. This can lead to uncoordinated eye movements, dizziness and paralysis of the muscles of the tongue, larynx and palate. Syringomyelia occurs only very rarely. In Germany there are 0.5 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year.
Causes
The reasons for the occurrence of syringomyelia can be divided into congenital and acquired causes. In the congenital form, a developmental disorder is assumed, which causes the formation of cavities, but the exact mechanism of development is not yet clear. Syringomyelia occurs only very rarely.
In Germany, there are 0.5 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year. The acquired form of syringomyelia leads to a narrowing of the cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the free flow of which is always restricted and forces the CSF to find other ways: The syrinx develops. The aforementioned narrowing of the cerebrospinal fluid can be traumatic, i.e. caused by an accident, but also by meningitis, a herniated disc or a tumor. Several cavities can also form.
