Syringomyelia symptoms usually develop slowly over time. If your syringomyelia is caused by protrusion of brain tissue into your spinal canal (Chiari malformation), symptoms generally may begin between ages 25 and 40.

In some cases, coughing or straining may trigger symptoms of syringomyelia, although neither causes syringomyelia.

The following early signs and symptoms of syringomyelia may affect the back of your neck, shoulders, arms and hands first:

• Muscle weakness and wasting (atrophy)

• Loss of reflexes

• Loss of sensitivity to pain and temperature

Other signs and symptoms of syringomyelia may include:

• Stiffness in your back, shoulders, arms and legs

• Pain in your neck, arms and back

• Bowel and bladder function problems

• Muscle weakness and spasms in your legs

• Spinal curvature (scoliosis)

It's unclear exactly 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 may 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 may cause symptoms months or even years after the initial injury

In some people, syringomyelia can become a progressive disorder and lead to serious complications. In others, there may be no associated symptoms, and no intervention is necessary.

Complications that may occur as a syrinx enlarges or if it damages nerves within your spinal cord include:

• Scoliosis — an abnormal curve of your spine

• Chronic pain — damage to the spinal cord can cause severe, chronic pain

• Motor difficulties — weakness and stiffness in your leg muscles can eventually affect your gait