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Myelomalacia is a pathological term referring to the softening of the spinal cord. [1] Possible causes of myelomalacia include cervical myelopathy , hemorrhagic infarction , or acute injury, such as that caused by intervertebral disc extrusion.
Syringomyelia is a generic term referring to a disorder in which a cyst or cavity forms within the spinal cord. Often, syringomyelia is used as a generic term before an etiology is determined. [ 3 ] This cyst, called a syrinx , can expand and elongate over time, destroying the spinal cord.
Cerebrospinal fluid fills the syrinx. Pressure differences along the spine cause the fluid to move within the cyst. Physicians believe that it is this continual movement of fluid that results in cyst growth and further damage to the spinal cord. In the case of syringomyelia, the syrinx can expand and elongate over time, destroying the spinal ...
Myelopathy describes any neurologic deficit related to the spinal cord. [1] The most common form of myelopathy in humans, cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), [2] [3] also called degenerative cervical myelopathy, [4] results from narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) ultimately causing compression of the spinal cord. [5]
The location of cord lesions affects presentation—for instance, a central lesion (such as that of syringomyelia) will knock out second order neurons of the spinothalamic tract as they cross the centre of the cord, and will cause loss of pain and temperature without loss of fine touch or proprioception.
A fluid-filled lesion forms, known as a syrinx. [1] This can vary in size significantly between patients. [1] Nerve fibres may be compressed where they cross the midline, or in other parts of the spinal cord. [1] Cranial nerves may be affected. [3] Syringobulbia may be associated with syringomyelia, a syrinx limited to the spinal cord. [4]
Syringomyelia is often associated with type I Chiari malformation and is commonly seen between the C-4 and C-6 levels. The exact development of syringomyelia is unknown but many theories suggest that the herniated tonsils in type I Chiari malformations cause a "plug" to form, which does not allow an outlet of CSF from the brain to the spinal canal.
Arachnoiditis is an inflammatory condition of the arachnoid mater or 'arachnoid', one of the membranes known as meninges that surround and protect the central nervous system.