Syringomyelia & Spinal Cord Effects

Syringohydromyelia

Syringohydromyelia is a combined term for a fluid cavity and central canal dilation in the spinal cord, frequently used for the syrinx in Chiari malformation.

In short: Syringohydromyelia

It combines the terms syringomyelia and hydromyelia.
It reflects that the two often coexist or overlap.
It describes fluid accumulation within the spinal cord.
It is frequently used for the syrinx associated with Chiari.

What it is

Syringohydromyelia is a combined term that encompasses both syringomyelia (a fluid cavity within the cord substance) and hydromyelia (dilation of the central canal). It is frequently used to describe the fluid accumulation within the spinal cord associated with Chiari malformation.

Understanding Syringohydromyelia

Because the distinction between a syrinx within the cord substance and dilation of the central canal can be difficult to make precisely, and because the two often coexist, the term "syringohydromyelia" is commonly used to cover both. It describes the same general phenomenon relevant to Chiari — fluid accumulating within the spinal cord due to disrupted CSF dynamics at the craniocervical junction. Families may encounter "syringohydromyelia," "syringomyelia," "hydromyelia," or simply "syrinx" used to describe this finding; for practical purposes, the management considerations are similar. Understanding syringohydromyelia clarifies the combined terminology and reassures families that these related terms describe the same general condition.

Why it matters

Understanding syringohydromyelia helps families make sense of the combined terminology in imaging reports, recognizing that these related terms describe the same general fluid accumulation in the cord associated with Chiari.

Common questions

What is syringohydromyelia?

A combined term for a fluid cavity and central canal dilation in the cord.

Why use a combined term?

The two often coexist and are hard to separate precisely.

Is it the same as a syrinx?

It describes the same general fluid accumulation associated with Chiari.

Bottom line

Syringohydromyelia is a combined term for fluid accumulation in the spinal cord, frequently used for the syrinx associated with Chiari.

More terms in Syringomyelia & Spinal Cord Effects

Central canal (of the spinal cord)The central canal is the small channel running through the center of the spinal cord, which can dilate or be involved in syrinx formation in Chiari malformation.
Communicating syringomyeliaCommunicating syringomyelia is a syrinx that connects with the cerebrospinal fluid spaces, a form associated with conditions affecting CSF flow.
Non-communicating syringomyeliaNon-communicating syringomyelia is a syrinx that does not connect with the cerebrospinal fluid spaces, the form typically associated with Chiari malformation.
SyringobulbiaSyringobulbia is the extension of a syrinx into the brainstem (the medulla), a less common but more serious development.
Presyrinx stateA presyrinx state is early swelling or fluid change in the spinal cord that may precede a true syrinx, sometimes seen in Chiari malformation.

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