ETHIOPATHOGENESIS AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: OF FORAMINAL NON SYRINGOMYELIA

Syringomyelia is a pathology of the spinal cord characterized by the formation of an intramedullary cavity called a syrinx. It mainly results from a disturbance in the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), most often due to obstruction of the subarachnoid spaces (Chiari malformation, tumors, trauma, arachnoiditis).This disturbance in the dynamics of the CSF leads to abnormal pressure gradients, favoring the penetration of the CSF into the spinal cord and the progressive formation of the syrinx. The increased volume of the cavity causes compression and destruction of adjacent spinal cord structures, leading to sensory, motor and autonomic neurological disorders.Syringomyelia is therefore a consequence of a dynamic imbalance in the LCS, and not simply a static cavity, which explains the therapeutic value of restoring normal LCS circulation to limit disease progression.