Syringoencephalomyelia is a medical condition that affects the spinal cord and brain. Its spelling may seem daunting at first but can be broken down with the help of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. This word is pronounced as /sɪˌrɪŋɡoʊˌɛnˌsɛfəloʊmaɪˈliə/, meaning that each syllable is enunciated separately. The word is made up of various medical terms joined together, including "syringo", referring to a fluid-filled cyst, "encephalo", relating to the brain, and "myelia", referring to the spinal cord.
Syringoencephalomyelia is a complex medical term typically used in the field of neurology to describe a condition characterized by the presence of a fluid-filled cavity, known as a syrinx, within the spinal cord and brain. The condition arises due to the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the central nervous system.
The term "syringoencephalomyelia" is derived from the fusion of several individual terms. "Syringo" refers to the syrinx, a fluid-filled cavity commonly observed within the spinal cord, while "encephalo" pertains to the brain. "Myelia" denotes the spinal cord itself. Therefore, syringoencephalomyelia refers to the simultaneous involvement of both the brain and the spinal cord by the development of these abnormal fluid-filled cavities.
The syrinx, or cyst-like structure, is thought to result from a disruption in the normal flow of CSF either due to blockages or obstructions within the spinal cord or brain. The accumulation of fluid within the syrinx can lead to the compression of surrounding neurological tissues, resulting in various neurological symptoms such as pain, weakness, sensory changes, and impairment of motor functions.
Syringoencephalomyelia is often associated with other underlying conditions like Chiari malformation, spinal cord injury, trauma, or tumors. Diagnosis typically involves the use of imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the presence and extent of the syrinx. Treatment options may include surgical intervention to decompress the syrinx and restore the normal flow of CSF, as well as medication for the management of symptoms and complications associated with the condition.
A condition of porosity involving the brain and spinal cord.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "syringoencephalomyelia" is derived from three main roots: "syringo-", "encephalo-", and "myelia".
1. "Syringo-" comes from the Greek word "syrinx", which means "tube" or "pipe". In medical terminology, "syringo-" refers to a cavity or tube-like structure.
2. "Encephalo-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "enkephalos", meaning "brain". It is commonly used in medical terms related to the brain.
3. "Myelia" is derived from the Greek word "myelos", meaning "marrow" or "spinal cord". It is commonly used in medical terms related to the spinal cord.