Syringomyelia

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Important

It is possible that the main title of the report Syringomyelia is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

• Morvan Disease
• Hydromyelia
• Spinal Cord Cyst
• Syringohydromyelia

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

Syringomyelia is a neurological disorder characterized by the formation of a fluid-filled cyst (syrinx) within the spinal cord. This cyst may, for unknown reasons, expand during adolescence or the young adult years, destroying the center of the spinal cord as it does.



As the syrinx expands, it affects the nerves that stimulate the patient’s legs, arms, back and shoulders. In turn, the affected individual may feel considerable pain and weakness, and may lose the ability to distinguish hot from cold objects. The combination of symptoms and signs may vary considerably from person to person, depending on where in the spine the syrinx is located and how much it expands over time. Often, the symptoms develop slowly. Unless the condition is treated surgically, it may lead to neurological deficits and chronic, intense pain.

Resources

American Syringomyelia Alliance Project, Inc. (ASAP)

300 N. Green Street, Suite 412

Longview, TX 75601

Tel: (903)236-7079

Fax: (903)757-7456

Tel: (800)272-7282

Email: info@asap.org

Internet: http://www.asap.org



Canadian Syringomyelia Network

69 Penny Crescent

Markham

Ontario, L3P 5X7

Canada

Tel: 9054718278

Fax: 9059444844

Email: barb@csn.ca

Internet: http://www.csn.ca



MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network

150 Custer Court

Green Bay, WI 54301-1243

USA

Tel: 9203365333

Fax: 9203390995

Tel: 8773365333

Email: mums@netnet.net

Internet: http://www.netnet.net/mums/



World Arnold Chiari Malformation Association

31 Newtown Woods Road

Newtown Square, PA 19073

Tel: (610)353-4737

Email: internautbhm2@comcast.net

Internet: http://www.wacma.com



Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation

500 Morris Ave

Springfield, NJ 07081

USA

Tel: 9733792690

Fax: 9739129433

Tel: 8002250292

Email: info@crof.org

Internet: http://www.crpf.org, http://www.paralysis.org



Christopher S. Burton Syringomyelia Foundation, Inc.

3701 NW 5th Ave.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

Tel: (954)727-5137

Fax: (954)636-2409

Email: info@thesmfoundation.org

Internet: http://www.theSMfoundation.org and http://www.SyringomyeliaFoundation.org

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated:  9/23/2007

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Last updated:	September 23, 2007