Syringomyelia: an expanding problem.

Syringomyelia, a central cavitation of the spinal cord, was once thought to be a rare disorder. Associated with congenital malformations as well as trauma and tumors, a syringomyelia can cause a variety of sensory complaints, including parasthesias, changes in temperature recognition, and pain. Other symptoms may range from gastrointestinal problems to shoulder arthropathy. Left unchecked, a syringomyelia can expand and lead to permanent disability. The nurse practitioner should be suspicious of the presence of a syrinx in patients who have otherwise unexplained sensory deficits that follow cervical or thoracic dermatomes.