Syringomyelia

Overview

4.3 out of 5 (3 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post Assessment Questions

8

Start Date

1 Jan 2021

Last Review Date

14 Mar 2024

Expiration Date

31 Dec 2023

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.

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

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they or their immediate family may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by CUSOM for resolution, to ensure fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

CUSOM will identify, review, and resolve all conflicts of interest that faculty, authors, activity directors, planners, managers, peer reviewers, or relevant staff disclose prior to an educational activity being delivered to learners. Disclosure of a relationship is not intended to suggest or condone bias in any presentation but is made to provide participants with information that might be of potential importance to their evaluation of a presentation. Disclosure information for authors, editors, planners, peer reviewers, and/or relevant staff is provided with this activity.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

 

 

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. CUSOM designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.50 AOA Category 1 B Credits and will report CME credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in the activity.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and a money back guarantee is provided if not completely satisfied.

  • StatPearls and CUSOM reserve the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances. StatPearls and CUSOM will not be responsible for other expenses incurred by the participant in the unlikely event that the program is canceled.

Equal Opportunity

  • StatPearls and CUSOM are Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Equal Access Institutions. 

Medium or Media Used:

  • Computer Requirements:  Internet Access
  • E-mail Address

Instructions for Credit

  1. Register for the activity and create a StatPearls login.     
  2. Review the required accreditation information:  Target audience, learning objectives and disclosure information.
  3. Complete the entire self-study activity.
  4. Complete the post-test assessments.
  5. Successfully pass the post-test with a minimum score of 100%.
  6. Complete the evaluation form.
  7. Obtain a certificate.

StatPearls and CUSOM adheres to AOA Standards regarding commercial support of continuing medical education. It is the policy of StatPearls and Campbell that the faculty and planning committee disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, that relevant conflict(s) of interest are resolved and also that authors and editors will disclose any unlabeled/unapproved use of drug(s) or device(s) during their presentation. Detailed disclosure will be made prior to starting the activity.

The information provided at this CME/CE 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.

This course is intended for osteopathic physicians who wish to earn AOA CME credit. Take this version of the course to ensure you receive appropriate credit.

 

 
 

Reviews

Daniel R. on 12/28/2022

Lynne W. on 9/15/2023

Lauren C. on 3/8/2024

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