What is the history of Syringomyelia?

When was Syringomyelia discovered? What is the story of this discovery? Was it coincidence or not?


Syringomyelia is a rare neurological disorder characterized by the formation of fluid-filled cavities, known as syrinxes, within the spinal cord. The history of syringomyelia dates back to the early 19th century when it was first recognized and described by physicians.



In 1827, Sir Charles Bell, a Scottish surgeon, was one of the first to document the symptoms associated with syringomyelia. He observed patients with progressive weakness and sensory loss in their upper limbs, often accompanied by pain and muscle atrophy. However, the cause of these symptoms remained unknown at the time.



In 1867, Dr. John Cleland, a Scottish pathologist, conducted autopsies on patients with syringomyelia and made significant discoveries. He identified the presence of fluid-filled cavities within the spinal cord, which he termed "syrinxes." Cleland's work laid the foundation for understanding the anatomical basis of the condition.



In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, further advancements were made in understanding syringomyelia. Dr. Walter Dandy, an American neurosurgeon, proposed that the development of syrinxes could be attributed to the obstruction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow within the spinal cord. He suggested that the accumulation of CSF within the syrinxes caused damage to the surrounding spinal cord tissue.



In the mid-20th century, the introduction of imaging techniques, such as X-rays and later magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), revolutionized the diagnosis and understanding of syringomyelia. These imaging modalities allowed for non-invasive visualization of the spinal cord and syrinxes, enabling better assessment and monitoring of the condition.



In recent decades, researchers have made significant progress in unraveling the underlying causes of syringomyelia. It has been associated with various conditions, including Chiari malformation, spinal cord tumors, trauma, and spinal cord tethering. The understanding of these associations has led to improved diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches.



Today, the management of syringomyelia typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, and rehabilitation specialists. Treatment options may include surgical intervention to relieve CSF obstruction, manage associated conditions, and alleviate symptoms.



In conclusion, the history of syringomyelia spans several centuries, with significant advancements in understanding its symptoms, anatomical basis, and associated conditions. The introduction of imaging techniques has greatly contributed to the diagnosis and management of this rare neurological disorder.


by Diseasemaps

It was discovered 200 years ago during an autopsy. The disease seems to remain a mystery. Many many doctors are not convinced of the symptoms. Hence why there is no real treatment or cure.

3/22/18 by Tammie 4000

Charles-Prosper Ollivier d'Angers came up with the term "syringomyelia" in 1827 to describe the presence of a cavity in the spinal cord, which he considered pathological in all cases. In 1882, Otto von Kahler and Friedrich Schultze defined the clinical syndrome, which associated Duchenne-Aran muscular dystrophy of a limb with sensory dissociation. They explained the syndrome by the presence of an abnormal cavity, distinct from that found in the spinal cord of healthy adults. Although Guillaume Duchenne de Boulogne and Jean-Martin Charcot had observed cases in France, both failed to identify syringomyelia, whereas a family physician, Augustin Morvan, described the clinical symptomatology using the term "analgesic whitlow" in 1883. Based on several dozen observations that they collated in their remarkable theses, Anna Bumler in Zurich in 1887 and Isidore Bruhl in Paris in 1890 established the complete clinical picture of syringomyelia, covering anatomic functional and pathological aspects. Whereas Charcot isolated pathologies by correlating clinical signs with anatomo-pathological lesions, the isolation of syringomyelia initially involved an anatomo-pathological concept before the semiology was defined.

9/20/18 by Austyn 3500

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