Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-04-06
The symptoms of Syringomyelia are primarily neurological and arise from the development of a fluid-filled cyst, or syrinx, within the spinal cord, which disrupts normal sensory and motor nerve pathways. Common and Early Warning Signs Because the syrinx often expands in the cervical region, the most characteristic early indicator of Syringomyelia is a "cape-like" distribution of sensory loss, where patients lose the ability to feel pain and temperature in their shoulders, arms, and upper back. Patients may notice they can burn their hands on a stove or cut themselves without feeling the injury.
14 people with Syringomyelia have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
Which are the symptoms of Syringomyelia?
Symptoms of Syringomyelia reported by real patients, from the most common to the most limiting, plus a medically reviewed summary with sources.
The symptoms of Syringomyelia are primarily neurological and arise from the development of a fluid-filled cyst, or syrinx, within the spinal cord, which disrupts normal sensory and motor nerve pathways.
Common and Early Warning Signs
Because the syrinx often expands in the cervical region, the most characteristic early indicator of Syringomyelia is a "cape-like" distribution of sensory loss, where patients lose the ability to feel pain and temperature in their shoulders, arms, and upper back. Patients may notice they can burn their hands on a stove or cut themselves without feeling the injury. Early warnings also include muscle weakness, stiffness in the legs, and localized pain, often described as a burning or aching sensation that radiates from the spine.
Variability and Quality of Life
Symptoms of Syringomyelia vary drastically between individuals based on the size and exact spinal level of the cyst. While some may remain asymptomatic for years, others experience rapid progression. Daily quality of life is most significantly impacted by chronic neuropathic pain, which is notoriously difficult to manage, and progressive muscle atrophy, which can lead to loss of fine motor skills or difficulty walking. In severe cases, Syringomyelia can affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to issues with bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
Progression and Emergency Care
Symptoms often progress slowly over years, but they can worsen if the syrinx expands significantly. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe weakness in the limbs, loss of bowel or bladder control, or significant difficulty breathing, as these may indicate acute pressure on the spinal cord or brainstem. Because Syringomyelia is a complex condition, ongoing monitoring by a neurosurgeon is essential to track changes in the syrinx size via MRI.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Syringomyelia
- Orphanet: Syringomyelia
- American Syringomyelia & Chiari Alliance Project (ASAP)
Posted May 22, 2017 by Christina Douthit 1001
Posted May 30, 2017 by Linda 900
Posted Sep 9, 2017 by K smith 500
2. Balance- the best way to describe this is to compare to a person who is drunk.
3. Muscle spasms- causes severe burning sensation. The spasms causes a variety of symptoms. At times, I will lose feeling in my leg and fall, on my worst days my whole body will freeze up. My jaw locks, fingers & toes curl up, major headache, neck will stiffen.
2. Constant pain & the burning sensation when nerves are aggravated.
3. Depressing
Posted Oct 1, 2017 by Jana 100
Pain can be capelike,
Pain also extends into arms and legs and is sometimes one sided.
My cause neuropathy
Fatigue
Intercostal Neurolgia
Neck pain
Back pain
Posted Oct 21, 2017 by Lisa Charkatz 500
Posted Dec 1, 2017 by Rebecca 270
Posted Mar 22, 2018 by Tammie 4000
Inability to feel hot and cold in fingers, hands
Feeling numbness, tingling in hands and feet
pain in neck, hands, "zings" in body
headaches
muscle weakness in hands, arms
Posted May 21, 2018 by Sue 1400
Posted Jun 19, 2018 by Austyn 3500
Posted Jan 27, 2019 by Agnieszka 150
The Kape.
Therefore when we speak of symptoms ,
1. pain, typically from the neck through the thoracic area, the shoulders, under the latinum dorsal area, the rhomboid area, underneath the shoulder blades, typically paralysis begins at the extremities, a feeling as if spiders or worms are crawling up your legs, difficult time controlling temperature, internally and externally, and unfortunately we must take into consideration the emotional side of this. A great deal of depression, isolation, anger, bargaining with God, these are very similar to the seven steps we go through when we find out that we are going to die. Is any of you out there are terminal I would suggest going to the nearest community college and taking the courts called on death and dying and you will learn the 7 steps the last being acceptance. The sooner you do this the sooner you will accept your fate and feel a lot better
Posted Jun 24, 2019 by Jack 2200
Posted Jan 17, 2020 by Shona 500
Posted May 16, 2017 by María Angélica González gallon 1800
Posted Nov 17, 2017 by Raul 500
