Syringomyelia : Diagnosis and Treatment

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized our understanding of many neurological diseases. This is the first textbook on syringomyelia by a single team of authors covering all aspects of this disease since the introduction of this method. Based on a pathophysiological concept which is presented in the opening chapters of this book, we provide guidelines for diagnosis and surgical treatment of patients with syringomyelia. Each pathological condition syringomyelia may be associated with is described in a separate chapter in which clinical presentations, neuroradiological features, neurophysiology, and surgical indications and techniques are covered. Finally, a detailed analysis of postoperative results is given. Special sections are devoted to patients after treatment has failed. This book should help any physician dealing with a patient to initiate the appropriate diagnostic tests and studies to reach a diagnosis as to what has caused the syrinx.