| Syringobulbia | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Neurology |
| Symptoms | Pain, loss of temperature sensation, breathing problems |
| Causes | Unknown, may be widening ofcentral canal ofspinal cord |
| Diagnostic method | Symptoms,magnetic resonance imaging |
| Medication | Tricyclic antidepressants for pain |
Syringobulbia is a medical condition in whichsyrinxes, or fluid-filled cavities, affect thebrainstem (usually the lower brainstem). The exact cause is often unknown, but may be linked to a widening of thecentral canal of thespinal cord. This may affect one or morecranial nerves, resulting in various kinds of facial palsies. Sensory and motor nerve pathways may be affected by interruption or compression of nerves. This disorder is associated withsyringomyelia, a syrinx limited to the spinal cord. It can be diagnosed usingmagnetic resonance imaging. Symptoms may be treated withtricyclic antidepressants.
Syringobulbia usually causespain.[1] It may also cause a loss of sense oftemperature.[1] Alveolar hypoventilation (insufficient breathing, a type ofcentral hypoventilation syndrome) may occur, withhypercapnia (excess blood CO2),stridor (an unusual breathing sound), and irregular breathing.[2]
Syringobulbia may be caused by abirth defect,trauma ortumor growth.[citation needed] The exact trigger is unknown, but may be linked to a widening of thecentral canal of thespinal cord.[1]
Syringobulbia affects the lower part of thebrainstem.[1] Thecentral canal of thespinal cord may be widened.[1] A fluid-filled lesion forms, known as asyrinx.[1] This can vary in size significantly between patients.[1] Nerve fibres may be compressed where they cross the midline, or in other parts of the spinal cord.[1]Cranial nerves may be affected.[3]
Syringobulbia may be associated withsyringomyelia, a syrinx limited to the spinal cord.[4]
Syringobulbia may be diagnosed usingmagnetic resonance imaging.[1]
The pain caused by syringobulbia may be treated withtricyclic antidepressants.[1]