What is a Syringobulbia?

Syringobulbia is a neurological disorder characterized by a fluid-filled cavity (syrinx) within the spinal cord that extends to involve the brainstem (medulla). It usually occurs as a slit-like gap within the lower brainstem that may affect one or more of the cranial nerves, causing facial palsies of various kinds.

What is syringomyelia and Syringobulbia?

Syringomyelia is cavitation of the spinal cord, of unknown aetiology, causing disruption of pain and temperature neurons of the anterior commissure. Syringobulbia is the term used if it affects the brainstem (usually the medulla).

What should you not do with syringomyelia?

Avoid doing anything that worsens your symptoms. For many people with syringomyelia, heavy lifting and straining can trigger symptoms, so avoid these activities. Also, avoid flexing your neck.

Can hydromyelia cause brain damage?

Injuries, underlying conditions, and certain problems during brain and spinal cord development in the womb can all cause problems with the flow of CSF. There’s also a strong link between hydromyelia and Chiari malformations. These are a type of birth defect that affects brain structure.

What is the difference between syringomyelia and hydromyelia?

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 is syringobulbia?

General Discussion. Syringobulbia is a neurological disorder characterized by a fluid-filled cavity (syrinx) within the spinal cord that extends to involve the brainstem (medulla). It usually occurs as a slit-like gap within the lower brainstem that may affect one or more of the cranial nerves, causing facial palsies of various kinds.

How is syringobulbia diagnosed and treated?

The diagnosis of syringobulbia is made by means of neuroimaging, typically magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment of syringobulbia is almost invariably surgical and consists of efforts to reroute the flow of cerebrospinal fluid by the use of diversion tubes or shunts.

How old do you have to be to have syringobulbia?

Syringobulbia can affect people of either sex. It usually is apparent before 30 years of age. In one study of a pediatric population, the average age of onset of symptoms was just under 15 years of age. The diagnosis of syringobulbia is made by means of neuroimaging, typically magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

What is syringomyelia (syrinx)?

Syringomyelia is a neurological disorder characterized by a fluid-filled cavity (syrinx) within the spinal cord. The cavity is a congenital lesion, but for unknown reasons it often expands during adolescence or the young adult years.