Syringobulbia

Syringobulbia is a medical condition in which syrinxes, or fluid-filled cavities, affect the brainstem (usually the lower brainstem). The exact cause is often unknown, but may be linked to a widening of the central canal of the spinal cord. This may affect one or more cranial 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 with syringomyelia, a syrinx limited to the spinal cord. It can be diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging. Symptoms may be treated with tricyclic antidepressants.

Syringobulbia
SpecialtyNeurology
SymptomsPain, loss of temperature sensation, breathing problems
CausesUnknown, may be widening of central canal of spinal cord
Diagnostic methodSymptoms, magnetic resonance imaging
MedicationTricyclic antidepressants for pain

Signs and symptoms

Syringobulbia usually causes pain.[1] It may also cause a loss of sense of temperature.[1] Alveolar hypoventilation (insufficient breathing, a type of central hypoventilation syndrome) may occur, with hypercapnia (excess blood CO2), stridor (an unusual breathing sound), and irregular breathing.[2]

Cause

Syringobulbia may be caused by a birth defect, trauma or tumor growth. The exact trigger is unknown, but may be linked to a widening of the central canal of the spinal cord.[1]

Mechanism

Syringobulbia affects the lower part of the brainstem.[1] The central canal of the spinal cord may be widened.[1] A fluid-filled lesion forms, known as a syrinx.[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 with syringomyelia, a syrinx limited to the spinal cord.[4]

Diagnosis

Syringobulbia may be diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging.[1]

Treatment

The pain caused by syringobulbia may be treated with tricyclic antidepressants.[1]

See also

References
  1. Boivie, Jörgen (2003). "20 - Central pain". Handbook of Pain Management - A Clinical Companion to Wall and Melzack's textbook of pain. Churchill Livingstone. pp. 305–327. doi:10.1016/B978-0-443-07201-7.50024-2. ISBN 978-0-443-07201-7.
  2. Chokroverty, Sudhansa; Montagna, Pasquale (2009). "29 - Sleep, Breathing, and Neurologic Disorders". Sleep Disorders Medicine - Basic Science, Technical Considerations, and Clinical Aspects (3rd ed.). Saunders. pp. 436–498. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7506-7584-0.00029-X. ISBN 978-0-7506-7584-0.
  3. Sgouros, S. (2009). "Syringomyelia". Encyclopedia of Neuroscience. Academic Press. pp. 839–847. doi:10.1016/B978-008045046-9.00614-8. ISBN 978-0-08-045046-9.
  4. "Syringobulbia".
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