syringomyelia

American  

[suh-ring-goh-mahy-ee-lee-uh] / səˌrɪŋ goʊ maɪˈi li ə /

noun

Pathology.

1. a disease of the spinal cord in which the nerve tissue is replaced by a cavity filled with fluid.

---

syringomyelia British  

/ səˌrɪŋɡəʊmaɪˈiːlɪə, səˌrɪŋɡəʊmaɪˈɛlɪk /

noun

1. a chronic progressive disease of the spinal cord in which cavities form in the grey matter: characterized by loss of the sense of pain and temperature

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• syringomyelic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of syringomyelia

1875–80; syringo- (combining form of Greek sŷrinx syrinx ) + myelia ( myel- + -ia )

Example Sentences

She also developed syringomyelia, which affects roughly eight in 100,000 people, in which cysts form on the spinal column.

From BBC • Aug. 19, 2025

The most common problems include chronic headaches, difficulty swallowing and decreased muscle strength, as well as syringomyelia, a condition that occurs when a cyst forms in the spinal cord.

From Science Daily • Nov. 18, 2024

It is particularly necessary in patients who present with both syringomyelia and headaches, though some patients continue to experience effects despite surgery.

From Science Daily • Nov. 18, 2024

He has carried out the fundraising challenge to show gratitude for the care he received as a child when he suffered from a debilitating immune deficiency and a rare spinal condition called syringomyelia.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2014

In syringomyelia pathological fracture is not so frequent as in locomotor ataxia; it is more likely to occur in the bones of the upper extremity, and especially in the humerus.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis