syringomyelia
Pronunciation: sear-in-go-my-EE-lee-ah
Progressive cavity formation within the spinal cord, typically causing dissociated sensory loss and motor weakness.
Full Definition
Syringomyelia is a chronic progressive disorder characterised by the development of a fluid-filled cavity (syrinx) within the spinal cord parenchyma. The condition most commonly affects the cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord, leading to damage of crossing spinothalamic tract fibres and anterior horn cells. This results in the characteristic pattern of dissociated sensory loss, where pain and temperature sensation are impaired while light touch and proprioception remain intact. Additional features may include progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, typically beginning in the hands. Syringomyelia can be idiopathic or secondary to conditions such as Chiari malformation, spinal cord tumours, or trauma.
Usage
Usage note: Often associated with Chiari malformations or other causes of CSF flow obstruction.
In Context
- "MRI revealed extensive syringomyelia from C2 to T8 associated with a Chiari I malformation." — Spinal imaging report
- "The patient's cape-like distribution of sensory loss was characteristic of syringomyelia." — Neurological examination documentation