What does syringomyelia mean?
Syringomyelia is a neurological disorder in which a fluid-filled cavity called a syrinx forms within the spinal cord. The cavity can stretch and disrupt spinal nerve pathways, particularly those carrying pain and temperature sensations across the body. Symptoms may include numbness, weakness, muscle wasting, back pain, and, in some cases, problems with bladder or bowel function. The condition may be associated with abnormalities of the skull base or spinal cord, although it can also occur without a clearly identifiable cause. Diagnosis is generally based on neurological examination and spinal imaging, especially magnetic resonance imaging. Although syringomyelia can sometimes be managed conservatively, worsening symptoms may require specialist assessment and occasionally surgery. The term combines Greek roots referring to a pipe-like cavity and the spinal cord or its marrow, and it is important in medicine because neurological findings associated with it can indicate pressure on or damage to spinal nerve pathways.
nounA medical condition in which a fluid-filled cavity, called a syrinx, develops within the spinal cord. It may impair nerve functions, causing pain or temperature-sensation changes, weakness, and sometimes difficulty with bladder or bowel control.
- A chronic neurological disorder characterized by a syrinx, or fluid-filled cavity, within the spinal cord.
"Her MRI revealed syringomyelia, a condition affecting the spinal cord."
"The patient was referred to a neurologist after imaging showed evidence of syringomyelia."
"Syringomyelia can cause a distinctive loss of the ability to feel pain and temperature in the hands."
The plural is used when referring to multiple cases or instances of the condition.
"The clinic follows patients with syringomyelias of varying severity."
The word literally means a cavity in the spinal cord: syrinx means a narrow pipe, while myelo- refers to the spinal cord’s marrow.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does syringomyelia come from?
The word combines Greek syrinx, meaning a pipe or narrow channel, with myelos, meaning marrow or the spinal cord, and the suffix -ia, denoting a condition. The central medical meaning developed from the anatomical term syrinx for a cavity within the spinal cord. Its related forms include syringe, which derives from the same Greek word for a narrow tube, and myelin and myelitis, which belong to the family referring to the spinal cord and its structures.
Related word forms
How syringomyelia is actually used
This is a specialized medical term used mainly in clinical and scientific contexts. It should not be used to describe a cavity in another organ, such as the brain, without further qualification.
Easily confused with syringomyelia
A syrinx is the fluid-filled cavity itself, whereas syringomyelia is the medical condition in which such a cavity forms within the spinal cord.