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Syringomyelia

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Syringomyelia

Definition:

Syringomyelia is damage to the spinal cord, caused by a formation of a fluid-filled cavity within the cord.

Alternative Names:
Syrinx

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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Syringomyelia is caused by a formation of a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord. This fluid build-up may be a result of spinal cord trauma, tumors of the spinal cord, or congenital defects.

The cavity most often begins in the neck area. It expands slowly, causing progressive damage to the spinal cord due to the pressure exerted by the fluid. Symptoms result from the spinal cord damage.

Syringomyelia may occur in certain developmental abnormalities of the nervous system, including Chiari malformations.

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