Characterized by fluid filled cyst in the spinal cord causing progressive neurological dysfunction as it expands.
A chronic progressive degenerative disorder characterized by a fluid-filled cyst located in the spinal cord.
Symptoms include: pain, weakness, numbness, and stiffness in the back, shoulders, arms or legs, headaches, inability to feel changes in the temperature, sweating, sexual dysfunction, and loss of bowel and bladder control.
Usually seen in the cervical region but can extend into the medulla oblongata and pons or into the thoracic or lumbar segments.
Often associated with Chiari Malformation Type I and is commonly seen between the C-4 and C-6 levels.
Development unknown but suggested that the herniated tonsils in Chiari Malformation Type I that does not allow an outlet of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain to the spinal canal.
25% of patients with Chiari Malformation present with syringomyelia.
About 25% of patients have loss of digital soft tissues with resorption of the phalanges.
Damage of the sympathetic fibers results in microcirculation dysfunction.
Loss of sympathetic supply can lead to edematous hands and ischemia to the digits.