Syringomyelia

A rare, progressive condition, usually congenital, in which a cavity forms in the brainstem or in the spinal cord at neck level and gradually expands, filling with cerebrospinal fluid. Symptoms usually appear in early adulthood and include lack of temperature or pain sensation, wasting of muscles in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands, and some loss of the sense of touch. Later, there is difficulty in moving the legs and controlling the bladder and bowel. There is no drug treatment. Surgery can relieve pressure in the central cavity to prevent further enlargement, or alternatively, decompress the distended spinal cord (see decompression, spinal canal).