Symptoms of Syringomyelia
Syringomyelia is the term for damage to the spinal cord which has been caused via the formation of a fluid filled area within the spine. This fluid filled area is a cyst or syrinx and can expand and elongate over time causing damage to the spinal cord. This damage can result in pain and eventually even paralysis if it is left untreated. Though there are many common symptoms, the precise effects will vary from patient to patient depending on the position and size of the swelling.

Syringomyelia is believed to affect around 8.4 in every 100,000 people and is most common in young adulthood. Symptoms can come on slowly or with a sudden onset. At first there may be no symptoms, or they may be any or all of the following.
-- Muscle contractions
-- Rashes
-- Spasms particularly in the legs
-- Loss of muscle mass
-- Headache
-- Weakness
-- Lack of coordination
-- Pain – particularly in the arms, neck and upper back
-- Loss of muscle function – paralysis of independent limbs or complete loss of movement
-- Numbness – decreased ability to feel pain or temperature or even complete loss of sensation. Often in a 'cape' pattern across the back