Syringomyelia

Overview

4.3 out of 5 (3 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post Assessment Questions

8

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

14 Mar 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Syringomyelia is a condition characterized by abnormal cerebrospinal fluid circulation, leading to the formation of fluid-filled cavities (syrinx) within the spinal cord parenchyma or central canal. This condition is often associated with Chiari malformation type 1 (CM-1) but can also result from various factors such as spinal cord tumors, trauma, or infectious adhesive arachnoiditis. Syringomyelia commonly presents with sensory symptoms such as pain and temperature insensitivity and is frequently discovered incidentally due to the widespread use of MRI in assessing back and neck pain. The natural history of patients with syringomyelia is variable and unpredictable, with periods of stability and progression.

Although professionals do not completely understand the natural history of syringomyelia, the clinical course or symptoms typically progress over months to years, with an early rapid deterioration that gradually slows down. Sudden head jolting or prolonged bouts of coughing can trigger abrupt symptom onset in previously asymptomatic individuals due to increased tonsillar descent. Managing symptoms involves avoiding triggers such as straining or neck flexion to reduce venous pressure and alleviate symptoms, thereby highlighting the necessity for an interdisciplinary approach to treat and care for patients with syringomyelia. This activity focuses on addressing the presentation, evaluation, and management of syringomyelia in the affected patients. This activity also explores the interprofessional collaboration of the healthcare team in caring for patients affected by this condition.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify the clinical manifestations, neurological symptoms, and predisposing conditions associated with syringomyelia, such as Chiari malformation, spinal cord trauma, or tumors.

  • Screen patients with relevant medical history or presenting symptoms for potential syringomyelia, including those with spinal cord injuries or congenital abnormalities.

  • Assess the progression of syringomyelia using appropriate imaging techniques and clinical evaluations.

  • Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes and coordinate comprehensive care plans for individuals with syringomyelia.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurses: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.50 ANCC contact hour(s). Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Daniel R. on 12/28/2022

Lynne W. on 9/15/2023

Lauren C. on 3/8/2024

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