Hydromyelia
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What is Hydromyelia?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
Related NINDS Publications and Information
What is Hydromyelia?
Hydromyelia refers to an abnormal widening of the central canal of the spinal cord that creates a cavity in which cerebrospinal fluid (commonly known as spinal fluid) can accumulate. As spinal fluid builds up, it may put abnormal pressure on the spinal cord and damage nerve cells and their connections. Hydromyelia is sometimes used interchangeably with syringomyelia, the name for a condition that also involves cavitation in the spinal cord. In hydromyelia, the cavity that forms is connected to the fourth ventricle in the brain, and is almost always associated with infants and children who have hydrocephalus or birth defects such as Chiari Malformation II and Dandy-Walker Malformation. Syringomyelia, however, features a closed cavity and occurs primarily in adults, the majority of whom have Chiari Malformation II or have experienced spinal cord trauma. Symptoms, which may occur over time, include weakness of the hands, arms, and legs; and sensory loss in the neck and arms. Some individuals have severe pain in the neck and arms. Diagnosis is made by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which reveals abnormalities in the anatomy of the spinal cord; and electromyography, which measures the response of muscle to nerve stimulation.
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done? The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research related to hydromyelia in its clinics
and laboratories at The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and supports additional research through grants to major medical
institutions across the country. Much of this research focuses on finding better ways to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure
abnormalities of the spinal cord such as hydromyelia.
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
March of Dimes Foundation 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, NY 10605 askus@marchofdimes.com http://www.marchofdimes.com Tel: 914-428-7100 888-MODIMES (663-4637) Fax: 914-428-8203 |
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Last updated April 02, 2008