Editorial - Is Syringomyelia Pathology or A Natural Protective Phenomenon?

Syringomyelia, or 'hydrocephalus of the cord' is commonly associated with spinal abnormality complex of basilar invagination and Chiari malformation. Syringomyelia is less commonly 'secondary' to a 'primary' mass lesion either in the posterior cranial fossa or in the spinal canal, an acute spinal deformity or other such pathology. Rarely primary cause of syringomyelia is not identifiable. Understanding the pathophysiology of syringomyelia is crucially important to design a suitable treatment strategy and prognosticate the ultimate outcome.