Causes

It's unclear how and why syringomyelia happens. When it develops, cerebrospinal fluid — the fluid that surrounds, cushions and protects your brain and spinal cord — collects within the spinal cord itself, forming a fluid-filled cyst (syrinx).

Several conditions and diseases can lead to syringomyelia, including:

• Chiari malformation, a condition in which brain tissue protrudes into your spinal canal
• Meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord
• Spinal cord tumor, which can interfere with the normal circulation of cerebrospinal fluid
• Conditions present at birth, such as a tethered spinal cord, a condition caused when tissue attached to your spinal cord limits its movement
• Spinal cord injury, which can cause symptoms months or years later