Etymed
syringomyelia
Definition
A neurological condition characterized by the formation of a fluid-filled cyst or cavity within the spinal cord, typically affecting the cervical region
Clinical context
A 25-year-old male presents with progressive weakness and numbness in his arms and hands, along with a loss of pain and temperature sensation. He reports a history of severe headaches that worsen with coughing. On examination, he has muscle wasting in the hands and diminished sensation to pain and temperature. MRI of the cervical spine reveals a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord.
Mnemonic
Syringo = Syringes (fluid-filled) in the spinal cord