Syringomyelia

In syringomyelia, an elongated hollow space filled with liquid, the so-called syrinx, forms in the spinal marrow. Within this cavity, there are no nerve cells, so no irritations can be felt here. The problem usually appears in the area of the neck and chest spinal column. Several syringes can appear at the same time.

The cause of the formation of these hollow spaces is usually a disorder in the circulation of the nerve fluid. This can appear, for example, due to an inflammation, malformation or after accidents.

Symptoms: Since, as a part of the central nervous system, the spinal marrow also serves the extremities – arms and legs – , pain can quickly spread to other parts of the body. Several patients feel sensory disorders. Among these are prickling or numbness sensations in the limbs or reduced sensation of temperature or pain on certain spots. The effects depend on the situation and amount of syringes, however, and we can show you no clear symptoms here. Only with a detailed research (MRT) can the hollow spaces be located and then treated.

Therapy: Different treatment procedures enable us to halt an increase in the size of the hollow space and even partly reduce it. Physiotherapy in the context of a conservative therapy or operative measures are usually employed. We can reach the hollow space with the aid of microsurgery and create a connection between the syrinx and the epidural space. That way we can relieve the spinal marrow.