What is the difference between Hydromyelia and syringomyelia?

What is the difference between Hydromyelia and syringomyelia?

Syringomyelia is the development of a fluid-filled cavity or syrinx within the spinal cord. Hydromyelia is a dilatation of the central canal by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and may be included within the definition of syringomyelia.

What are the symptoms of Hydromyelia?

Symptoms, which may occur over time, include weakness of the hands and arms, stiffness in the legs; and sensory loss in the neck and arms. Some individuals have severe pain in the neck and arms. Diagnosis is made by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which reveals abnormalities in the anatomy of the spinal cord..

Can Hydromyelia cause scoliosis?

Hydromyelia is likely much more common than we are aware because it often does not cause obvious symptoms in patients with MMC. When symptomatic, it usually presents with rapidly progressive scoliosis, a change in strength or coordination of the upper or lower limbs, and spasticity.

Can syringomyelia cause vertigo?

Usually, syringobulbia presents after syringomyelia, although isolated cases of syringobulbia have been documented. Syringobulbia is a slowly progressive disorder that may cause dizziness (vertigo), involuntary rapid movement of the eyeball (nystagmus), and loss of feelings of pain and temperature in the face.

How does scoliosis affect the brain?

Firstly, tension headaches can develop due to the tight neck muscles that are trying to stabilize a cervical curvature; secondly, scoliosis is known to disrupt the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), leading to low levels of CSF in the brain, which is known to cause debilitating headaches that can reach migraine status.

Can Chiari cause scoliosis?

Scoliosis commonly occurs in the setting of Chiari I malformation (CM) and even more frequently in the setting of CM with syringomyelia. Decompression of the CM is often recommended as may lead to resolution of the spinal deformity and may make any subsequent spinal deformity surgery safer.

How do you know if you have syringomyelia?

Common signs/symptoms include pain in the neck and shoulders, muscle weakness, pain and stiffness in the legs, numbness or decreased sensation, especially to hot and cold, abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis), muscle contractions, and uncoordinated movements (ataxia).