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Syringomyelic dystonia and athetosis
1Morton & Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Centre, Toronto Hospital, Western Division, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Movement disorders like torticollis and choreoathetoid-dystonic movements in syringomyelia patients resolved after syrinx decompression. This suggests a direct link between spinal cord pressure and these neurological symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Syringomyelia, a condition causing fluid-filled cavities (syrinxes) within the spinal cord, can lead to neurological deficits.
- Movement disorders are a potential, though less common, manifestation of syringomyelia.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with distinct movement disorders: one with torticollis and the other with choreoathetoid-dystonic movements of the upper limb.
- These symptoms were directly associated with the presence and likely pressure effects of a syrinx.
Findings:
- Surgical decompression of the syrinx led to the complete resolution of abnormal movements in both described cases.
- This outcome supports a causal relationship between intraspinal pressure from the syrinx and the observed movement abnormalities.
Implications:
- Surgical intervention for syringomyelia may effectively treat associated movement disorders.
- Understanding the pathophysiology of syringomyelia is crucial for managing complex neurological presentations.