Physiotherapeutic Intervention in a 19-Year-Old Female Patient With Syringohydromyelia: A Case Report

Abstract

Syringomyelia is a rare disorder in which a syrinx is formed in the spine that grows with time, causing damage to the entire spine. It is most commonly associated with type 1 Chiari malformations and has the potential to cause considerable impairment and a lower quality of life. It can be idiopathic or secondary to trauma. Arachnoiditis, spinal cord compression, and/or a narrow spinal canal, as well as kyphosis all play a role in the development of syringomyelia. The patient reported here was unable to walk and swallow food. She had partial sensory loss in the right hand, difficulty speaking, and weakness in both hands and legs. In this case, there was atlanto-occipital assimilation with C2-C3 fusion and tonsillar herniation, causing sryingohydromyelia of the entire cord. After medical and surgical interventions, a 12-week well-structured physical therapy rehabilitation protocol was initiated. This case study demonstrates how physical therapy plays a critical role in a patient's extensive rehabilitation, enhancing strength and range of motion, improving coordination, improving daily living tasks, and decreasing pain.