View source for Syringomyelia

==Background==
*Fluid filled cyst (syrinx) within the spinal cord which can expand or elongate over time, destroying surrounding spinal cord tissue.
*Can be due to dilation of the neural tissue surrounding the central can itself (which can lead to obstructive [[hydrocephalus]]), or it can arise from within the parenchyma of the spinal cord. 
*Typically occurs in the C2 and T9 distribution.
*Most commonly occurs in patients with a pre-existing Chiari malformation.
*Usually seen in young adults
*Most commonly insidious in onset but the effects of the cyst may manifest suddenly after coughing or sneezing
*Two forms
**Congenital- secondary to arnold chiari malformation and associated with [[hydrocephalus]]
**Acquired- secondary to an insult to the brain or spinal cord such as stroke, trauma, meningitis, hemorrhage, or tumor

==Clinical Features==
*"Cape-like" distribution of:
**Paralysis
**Paresthesias
**Pain
*stiffness of the back, shoulders, and extremities
*loss of ability to sense extreme hot or cold in the hands

==Differential Diagnosis==
*[[Glioma]]
*[[guillain-barré syndrome]]
*Acute myelopathy
*brain stroke
*spinal cord stroke
*[[central pontine myolinolysis]]
*[[malingering]]
*Pediatric Ependymoma
*Diabetic Neuropathy
*[[Multiple Sclerosis]]
*[[Transverse Myelitis]]
*[[Myesthenia Gravis]]

==Evaluation==


==Management==


==Disposition==


==See Also==


==External Links==


==References==
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[[Category:Neurology]]