Guide To The Causes And Complications Of Chiari Malformation

Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia is an uncommon disorder where a cyst filled with fluid develops slowly on the inside of an individual's central spinal cord canal. The tissues of the cerebellum protrude past the foramen magnum and into an individual's cervical spinal canal when they are affected by Chiari malformation. This displacement of tissue causes the cerebrospinal fluid to be unable to flow properly. Most fluid-filled cysts that develop in an individual's spinal canal are the result of some sort of interruption or disturbance in the normal flow of their cerebrospinal fluid. Therefore, many individuals affected by Chiari malformation will develop a syrinx or a cyst filled with fluid in their spinal cord that can cause several debilitating symptoms. Symptoms of syringomyelia tend to manifest gradually over time. The type of Chiari malformation known to cause syringomyelia is Type 1 Chiari malformation.