Syringomyelia (patient information)
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What is Syringomyelia?
Syringomyelia is damage to the spinal cord due to the formation of a fluid-filled area within the cord.
What are the symptoms of Syringomyelia?
- Gradual loss of muscle mass (wasting, atrophy)
- Headache
- Muscle function loss, loss of ability to use arms or legs
- Numbness or decreased sensation
- Decreased sense of pain or temperature
- Lessened ability to sense that the skin is being touched
- Neck, shoulders, upper arms, trunk -- in a cape-like pattern
- Slowly, but progressively, gets worse
- Pain down the arms, neck, or into the upper back
- Weakness (decreased muscle strength, independent of exercise) in the arms or legs
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
What causes Syringomyelia?
Who is at risk for Syringomyelia?
How do I know I have Syringomyelia?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Syringomyelia
Directions to Hospitals Treating Syringomyelia