  * This is the Consumer Version. *  Syrinx of the Spinal Cord
and Brain Stem  by Michael Rubin, MDCM  A syrinx is a fluid-
filled cavity that develops in the spinal cord (called
syringomyelia), in the brain stem (called syringobulbia), or in
both.    • Syrinxes may be present at birth or develop later
because of an injury or a tumor.    • People may become less
sensitive to pain and temperature and experience weakness in the
hands and legs, or they may have vertigo and problems with eye
movements, taste, and speech.    • Magnetic resonance imaging
can detect a syrinx.    • Surgery to drain the syrinx may be
done, but it may not correct the problem.  Syrinxes are rare. In
about half of the people who have a syrinx, it is present at
birth, and then for poorly understood reasons, it enlarges
during the teen or young adult years. Often, children who have a
syrinx at birth also have other structural abnormalities of the
brain, spinal cord, or junction between the skull and spine.
Usually, syrinxes that develop lat