Syringomyelia (SM) is the development of a cyst or a fluid-filled cavity in the spinal cord. In medical terms this cyst is referred to as syrinx. This cyst, over a period of time, elongates and expands causing damage to the center of the cord. As the nerves in the extremities are connected to the spinal cord, any damage to the spinal cord may result in weakness, pain, stiffness in the back, legs, arms and shoulders of the individual. An individual may also complain of headaches and is sometimes unable to feel hot or cold in the extremities, especially in his or her hands. People who suffer from syringomyelia find that it sometimes adversely affects their bowel and bladder control, sexual function, and sweating.

Treatment
Syringomyelia treatment depends on how severe and how far your symptoms and signs have progressed. If your doctor discovers that you have syringomyelia during some other unrelated examination, and you do not have any symptoms or signs that indicate the problem, regular monitoring is important. This could be done with the help of a neurological exam or a periodic MRI. In very few cases it is found that a syrinx is resolved without the help of any treatment.

Syringomyelia 

Syringomyelia Surgery: Doctors usually recommend surgery for patients suffering from syringomyelia. Through surgery, extra space is provided for the malformation or cerebellum that is present at the upper neck and the base of the syringomyelia. This has to be done without entering the spinal cord or brain. As a result of this, the primary cavity flattens or disappears. In case syringomyelia is caused by a tumor, the best course of treatment is to remove the tumor and it always results in the elimination of the syrinx.

Most patients find that there is some modest improvement and some stabilization as a result of surgery. It is important that you treat syringomyelia as soon as possible as any delay might cause permanent injury to your spinal cord. If syringomyelia recurs after surgery you may have to go in for additional operations. These additional operations may not be fully successful over a long term.

In some cases doctors have to use drainage tubes, a catheter, or valves to drain fluids from the syrinx. This method is called a shunt. A shunt is used in both noncommunicating syringomyelia and communicating syringomyelia. The process requires that the surgeon first find out where the syrinx is located. The doctor places the shunt into the syrinx and the other end of the shunt drains the fluid into a cavity. This is known as a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. A shunt helps arrest the progress of symptoms and to a great extent relieves pain, tightness, and headaches.

An extensive discussion is necessary between the doctor and patient before the decision to make use of a shunt is taken. This is because there are chances of injuries to the spinal cord. In addition, there are increased chances of blockage, infection, and hemorrhage and this procedure may not work well for all patients.

If syringomyelia is caused by trauma, surgery is usually performed at the level where the initial injury was. With the help of surgery the cyst usually collapses but it becomes necessary to use a shunt or a tube to stop any re-expansion.

In the case of syringomyelia, it is found that drugs do not have any curative value. Radiation is beneficial if there is a tumor present, else it is of very little benefit. Radiation, when used for a tumor, helps in the alleviation of any pain and also halts any extension of a cavity.

If you do not have any symptoms, syringomyelia is generally not treated. Doctors usually do not recommend that patients who are of advanced age treat the condition. Treatment is also not recommended in cases where there is no change or progress in the symptoms. Irrespective of whether you are treated or not, doctors advise most patients who are suffering from syringomyelia to avoid activities that cause strain.