The word syringomyeliaA cavity, within the spinal cord, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Syringomyelia cavities come in various “shapes and sizes”, from short, spindle-shaped cavities through to long, tense cavities extending throughout the greater part of the spinal cord. Read more refers to a condition in which fluid-filled cavities are present in the spinal adult cord. Things are a little different in young children, in whom such cavities are normally present although, if they are abnormally pronounced, such cavities may also be seen as abnormal and amount to syringomyeliaA cavity, within the spinal cord, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Syringomyelia cavities come in various “shapes and sizes”, from short, spindle-shaped cavities through to long, tense cavities extending throughout the greater part of the spinal cord. Read more.

To explain matters a little more, we need to consider a little more the anatomy of central nervous systemThe brain and spinal cord together make up the central nervous system. Nerves issue from both structures, passing out of the head and spinal canal, to supply all parts of the body, thereby allowing for voluntary movements to take place, various senses to be perceived and for the function of many internal organs to be regulated. Collectively, these nerves make up the peripheral nervous system., that is the brain and the spinal cordThe main nerve trunk running down the spinal canal and connecting the individual’s mind and consciousness to the rest of his or her body. It is about the size of a person’s little finger, in diameter. It cannot repair itself if damaged. taken together.

The brain is mostly, but not entirely a solid structure. There are chambers in the centre of the brain, known as ventriclesThe brain is not an entirely solid organ. There are chambers within the brain, referred to as ventricles or, more correctly, cerebral ventricles, to distinguish them from the ventricles of the heart. They represent the remnants of the central canal of the developing central nervous system, although they have taken on a much more complex shape than the original embryonic structure. There are four in total, one each side of the midline (referred to as the lateral ventricles) and two more, in the midline, referred to as the third and fourth ventricles, albeit often using Roman numerals.. These cavities are not empty but contain a watery fluid, known as cerebrospinal fluidThis clear, water-like fluid forms, for the most part, within the brain, more specifically inside the ventricles of the brain. Blood flows through structures inside the ventricles, called the choroid plexuses, and clear fluid is produced as a result, passing into the ventricle. This process is akin to blood flowing through the kidneys and urine being produced as a result. An important difference is that, unlike urine, the cerebrospinal fluid is not passed out of the body periodically. Instead, the fluid is re-absorbed back into the blood stream, mostly via the arachnoid granulations, into the cerebral venous sinuses. In the course of a 24-hour period, most healthy adults will produce about 500mls (or a pint) of cerebrospinal fluid, although at… – or CSF, for short. The fluid forms within the ventriclesThe brain is not an entirely solid organ. There are chambers within the brain, referred to as ventricles or, more correctly, cerebral ventricles, to distinguish them from the ventricles of the heart. They represent the remnants of the central canal of the developing central nervous system, although they have taken on a much more complex shape than the original embryonic structure. There are four in total, one each side of the midline (referred to as the lateral ventricles) and two more, in the midline, referred to as the third and fourth ventricles, albeit often using Roman numerals. themselves and then flows out, at the base of the brain. From there some of it passes into the spinal canalThe individual bones that comprise the spinal column are made up of a weight-bearing “body” and other components which, together, form a ring of bone, behind the body. These individual vertebrae, joined together as the spinal column, therefore, create a canal running down the entire length of the spine. but eventually all the fluid is re-absorbed, back into the blood stream, mostly via a major blood channel passing along the top of the skull, in the midline – the superior sagittal sinusA major venous channel, running down the centre of the top of the head. It drains a significant proportion of the total blood volume flowing through the brain. It also provides a major route by which cerebrospinal fluid is re-absorbed back into the bloodstream..

It is therefore normal for somebody to have this fluid (CSFCerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), is a clear, colourless liquid that fills and surrounds the brain and the spinal cord and provides a mechanical barrier against shock. Formed primarily in the ventricles of the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid supports the brain and provides lubrication between surrounding bones and the brain and spinal cord. When an individual suffers a head injury, the fluid acts as a cushion, dulling the force by distributing its impact. The fluid helps to maintain pressure within the cranium at a constant level. An increase in the volume of blood or brain tissue results in a corresponding decrease in the fluid. Conversely, if there is a decrease in the volume of matter within the cranium, as occurs in atrophy…), both inside and over the surface of the brain. The CSFCerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), is a clear, colourless liquid that fills and surrounds the brain and the spinal cord and provides a mechanical barrier against shock. Formed primarily in the ventricles of the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid supports the brain and provides lubrication between surrounding bones and the brain and spinal cord. When an individual suffers a head injury, the fluid acts as a cushion, dulling the force by distributing its impact. The fluid helps to maintain pressure within the cranium at a constant level. An increase in the volume of blood or brain tissue results in a corresponding decrease in the fluid. Conversely, if there is a decrease in the volume of matter within the cranium, as occurs in atrophy… also passes down into the spinal canalThe individual bones that comprise the spinal column are made up of a weight-bearing “body” and other components which, together, form a ring of bone, behind the body. These individual vertebrae, joined together as the spinal column, therefore, create a canal running down the entire length of the spine., on the outside of the spinal cordThe main nerve trunk running down the spinal canal and connecting the individual’s mind and consciousness to the rest of his or her body. It is about the size of a person’s little finger, in diameter. It cannot repair itself if damaged.. Normally, however, there is not any fluid inside the spinal cordThe main nerve trunk running down the spinal canal and connecting the individual’s mind and consciousness to the rest of his or her body. It is about the size of a person’s little finger, in diameter. It cannot repair itself if damaged. itself, at least not when body growth is complete by the age of about 18. When we do discover CSFCerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), is a clear, colourless liquid that fills and surrounds the brain and the spinal cord and provides a mechanical barrier against shock. Formed primarily in the ventricles of the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid supports the brain and provides lubrication between surrounding bones and the brain and spinal cord. When an individual suffers a head injury, the fluid acts as a cushion, dulling the force by distributing its impact. The fluid helps to maintain pressure within the cranium at a constant level. An increase in the volume of blood or brain tissue results in a corresponding decrease in the fluid. Conversely, if there is a decrease in the volume of matter within the cranium, as occurs in atrophy… inside the spinal cordThe main nerve trunk running down the spinal canal and connecting the individual’s mind and consciousness to the rest of his or her body. It is about the size of a person’s little finger, in diameter. It cannot repair itself if damaged. we use the term syringomyeliaA cavity, within the spinal cord, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Syringomyelia cavities come in various “shapes and sizes”, from short, spindle-shaped cavities through to long, tense cavities extending throughout the greater part of the spinal cord. Read more to describe this.

SyrinxA character from Greek mythology, widely depicted in classical art. Pursued by the god Pan (half man and half goat), who wished to have his wicked way with her, Syrinx fled but became trapped by the side of a river. She pleaded to the gods for deliverance and was transformed into a bed of water reeds. She thereby gave her name to tubular structures, the most obvious of which is “syringe”. The word syrinx is frequently used as an alternative to syringomyelia. Experts also disagree over whether the pleural of the word should be “syrinxes” or “syringes”. is a commonly used, shortened, abbreviation for the medical condition SyringomyeliaA cavity, within the spinal cord, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Syringomyelia cavities come in various “shapes and sizes”, from short, spindle-shaped cavities through to long, tense cavities extending throughout the greater part of the spinal cord. Read more.

Syringomyelia cavities come in “all shapes and sizes”, from small cyst-like structures, limited to one part of the spinal cordThe main nerve trunk running down the spinal canal and connecting the individual’s mind and consciousness to the rest of his or her body. It is about the size of a person’s little finger, in diameter. It cannot repair itself if damaged., through to large, tensely distended cavities that may involve the entire length of the spinal cordThe main nerve trunk running down the spinal canal and connecting the individual’s mind and consciousness to the rest of his or her body. It is about the size of a person’s little finger, in diameter. It cannot repair itself if damaged..

SyringomyeliaA cavity, within the spinal cord, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Syringomyelia cavities come in various “shapes and sizes”, from short, spindle-shaped cavities through to long, tense cavities extending throughout the greater part of the spinal cord. Read more cavities form when the normal channels within the spinal canalThe individual bones that comprise the spinal column are made up of a weight-bearing “body” and other components which, together, form a ring of bone, behind the body. These individual vertebrae, joined together as the spinal column, therefore, create a canal running down the entire length of the spine., along which CSFCerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), is a clear, colourless liquid that fills and surrounds the brain and the spinal cord and provides a mechanical barrier against shock. Formed primarily in the ventricles of the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid supports the brain and provides lubrication between surrounding bones and the brain and spinal cord. When an individual suffers a head injury, the fluid acts as a cushion, dulling the force by distributing its impact. The fluid helps to maintain pressure within the cranium at a constant level. An increase in the volume of blood or brain tissue results in a corresponding decrease in the fluid. Conversely, if there is a decrease in the volume of matter within the cranium, as occurs in atrophy… normally flows, become obstructed. Because of this, the energy of rhythmic, pulsatile pressure waves within the column of CSF, generated by the heartbeat, cannot disperse normally. As a result, CSFCerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), is a clear, colourless liquid that fills and surrounds the brain and the spinal cord and provides a mechanical barrier against shock. Formed primarily in the ventricles of the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid supports the brain and provides lubrication between surrounding bones and the brain and spinal cord. When an individual suffers a head injury, the fluid acts as a cushion, dulling the force by distributing its impact. The fluid helps to maintain pressure within the cranium at a constant level. An increase in the volume of blood or brain tissue results in a corresponding decrease in the fluid. Conversely, if there is a decrease in the volume of matter within the cranium, as occurs in atrophy… is forced into the spinal cordThe main nerve trunk running down the spinal canal and connecting the individual’s mind and consciousness to the rest of his or her body. It is about the size of a person’s little finger, in diameter. It cannot repair itself if damaged., creating the syrinxA character from Greek mythology, widely depicted in classical art. Pursued by the god Pan (half man and half goat), who wished to have his wicked way with her, Syrinx fled but became trapped by the side of a river. She pleaded to the gods for deliverance and was transformed into a bed of water reeds. She thereby gave her name to tubular structures, the most obvious of which is “syringe”. The word syrinx is frequently used as an alternative to syringomyelia. Experts also disagree over whether the pleural of the word should be “syrinxes” or “syringes”. cavity.

The commonest cause of obstruction to CSFCerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), is a clear, colourless liquid that fills and surrounds the brain and the spinal cord and provides a mechanical barrier against shock. Formed primarily in the ventricles of the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid supports the brain and provides lubrication between surrounding bones and the brain and spinal cord. When an individual suffers a head injury, the fluid acts as a cushion, dulling the force by distributing its impact. The fluid helps to maintain pressure within the cranium at a constant level. An increase in the volume of blood or brain tissue results in a corresponding decrease in the fluid. Conversely, if there is a decrease in the volume of matter within the cranium, as occurs in atrophy… flow in the spinal canal is herniation of the lowermost part of the brain, known as the cerebellar tonsilsThe lower-most part of the cerebellum is made up of a pair of structures, one on each side of the midline, known as the tonsils. These structures have no relationship with the tissue at the back of the throat, which becomes inflamed and sore with a viral infection. It is simply the case that the same Latin term was applied by (presumably) different anatomists, at different times and working in different places, to name these very different body parts. The word tonsilla literally means a stump; Roman ships were moored to “tonsilla” when in port., down from the cranial cavity above into the top of the spinal canalThe individual bones that comprise the spinal column are made up of a weight-bearing “body” and other components which, together, form a ring of bone, behind the body. These individual vertebrae, joined together as the spinal column, therefore, create a canal running down the entire length of the spine.. This anatomical abnormality is best referred to as a hindbrain herniaAn alternative term for a Chiari malformation. It is better than the eponymous term because it is in many ways more descriptive of the anatomical abnormality. but is more widely known as a Chiari malformationAn anatomical abnormality affecting the lowermost part of brain, where it joins the spinal cord, at the top of the neck. Various sub-types are described – see under their individual names. The term hindbrain hernia is sometimes used to incorporate all forms.. The second most common cause of obstruction to normal CSFCerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), is a clear, colourless liquid that fills and surrounds the brain and the spinal cord and provides a mechanical barrier against shock. Formed primarily in the ventricles of the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid supports the brain and provides lubrication between surrounding bones and the brain and spinal cord. When an individual suffers a head injury, the fluid acts as a cushion, dulling the force by distributing its impact. The fluid helps to maintain pressure within the cranium at a constant level. An increase in the volume of blood or brain tissue results in a corresponding decrease in the fluid. Conversely, if there is a decrease in the volume of matter within the cranium, as occurs in atrophy… flow in the spinal canalThe individual bones that comprise the spinal column are made up of a weight-bearing “body” and other components which, together, form a ring of bone, behind the body. These individual vertebrae, joined together as the spinal column, therefore, create a canal running down the entire length of the spine. is scar tissueIn everyday speech a piece of tissue is a thin sheet of paper, used to wrap a present or, in a slightly different form, to blow the nose, or to be used in the toilet. In biology the word tissue refers to living material made up of cells or groups of cells of similar type or types. We may speak, for example, of nerve tissue or of fatty tissue, of glandular tissue or of connective tissue. Individual organs of the body, such as the brain, the heart, the liver or the kidneys, are made up of several tissue types, almost always including connective tissue.. This may form as a result of a previous spinal injury or, sometimes, an episode of infection such as meningitisThis word simply means that the membranes which line the inside of the skull and spinal canal have become inflamed. An outbreak of meningitis in the community will cause alarm because the cause is likely to be a virulent micro-organism that can cause serious illness or even death. Following surgery upon the brain, however, inflammation of the lining membranes can result from irritation by even small amounts blood products or muscle protein, which are inevitably “spilt” during surgery. The term chemical meningitis, or aseptic meningitis, is used to refer to this condition. It is self-limiting and not usually life- threatening but it needs to be distinguished from the more serious bacterial meningitis, which can also occasionally complicate intracranial surgery.. Other causes are also seen, on occasions.

Through the use of an MRIAn abbreviation for magnetic resonance imaging. machine. With widespread availability and ready application of magnetic resonance imagingA highly sophisticated form of obtaining images (pictures) of the internal structures of the body. Unlike some other forms of imaging, magnetic resonance imaging does not involve the subject being exposed to ionising radiation, which can be harmful if used to excess. Magnetic resonance imaging can reveal not just structures but information about how well or otherwise body parts are functioning. (MRI), we now increasingly encounter syringomyeliaA cavity, within the spinal cord, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Syringomyelia cavities come in various “shapes and sizes”, from short, spindle-shaped cavities through to long, tense cavities extending throughout the greater part of the spinal cord. Read more cavities without there being an obvious point of obstruction to normal spinal CSFCerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), is a clear, colourless liquid that fills and surrounds the brain and the spinal cord and provides a mechanical barrier against shock. Formed primarily in the ventricles of the brain, the cerebrospinal fluid supports the brain and provides lubrication between surrounding bones and the brain and spinal cord. When an individual suffers a head injury, the fluid acts as a cushion, dulling the force by distributing its impact. The fluid helps to maintain pressure within the cranium at a constant level. An increase in the volume of blood or brain tissue results in a corresponding decrease in the fluid. Conversely, if there is a decrease in the volume of matter within the cranium, as occurs in atrophy… flow. The term idiopathicLiterally translated this means a disease that has caused itself, i.e. there is no underlying cause that can be identified. Many experts argue that there is no such thing as idiopathic syringomyelia and we have simply failed to identify the underlying cause. Perhaps the term “cryptopathic” would be better – “crypto” being a Greek word, denoting “hidden”. syringomyeliaA cavity, within the spinal cord, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Syringomyelia cavities come in various “shapes and sizes”, from short, spindle-shaped cavities through to long, tense cavities extending throughout the greater part of the spinal cord. Read more is used to describe such cases.

Despite the ease with which syringomyeliaA cavity, within the spinal cord, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Syringomyelia cavities come in various “shapes and sizes”, from short, spindle-shaped cavities through to long, tense cavities extending throughout the greater part of the spinal cord. Read more (or syrinxA character from Greek mythology, widely depicted in classical art. Pursued by the god Pan (half man and half goat), who wished to have his wicked way with her, Syrinx fled but became trapped by the side of a river. She pleaded to the gods for deliverance and was transformed into a bed of water reeds. She thereby gave her name to tubular structures, the most obvious of which is “syringe”. The word syrinx is frequently used as an alternative to syringomyelia. Experts also disagree over whether the pleural of the word should be “syrinxes” or “syringes”.) cavities can now be identified on MRI, it remains a relatively uncommon condition. As a result, family doctors will seldom suggest syringomyeliaA cavity, within the spinal cord, which is filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Syringomyelia cavities come in various “shapes and sizes”, from short, spindle-shaped cavities through to long, tense cavities extending throughout the greater part of the spinal cord. Read more as a primary diagnosis, when confronted with the variety of symptoms that the condition may produce. It is therefore common for there to be a delay of months, or even years, between when a person first experiences symptoms and the underlying cause being established.

These days, anybody with severe or persisting neurological symptomsThese include disturbances of motor functions (e.g. power, strength & co-ordination), alterations of body senses (e.g. sight, hearing or touch) and changes in consciousness (e.g. blackouts or seizures)., including those caused by syringomyelia, is likely to be referred to a neurologist, who is the specialist most likely to establish the diagnosis. Beyond this, in the UK at least, a neurosurgeon may well be consulted, to assess whether or not there might be a role for operating upon the condition. or other hospital specialist. These matters are considered in more detail under the Professional Help section of this website.