Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

Syringomyelia Awareness Month – May 2024

Syringomyelia Awareness Month is observed from May 1 to May 31. Syringomyelia is a neurological disorder in which a syrinx — a cyst filled with fluid — develops inside the spinal cord. The expansion of the syrinx stretches the spinal cord and damages the nerve tissue. If left untreated, it can lead to paralysis. The symptoms of syringomyelia vary from person to person, and these symptoms often resemble those of other illnesses. Common symptoms include pain in the neck, upper back, and shoulders. Other symptoms are numbness in the limbs, and the inability to feel hot or cold. Syringomyelia has no cure.

History of Syringomyelia Awareness Month

As far back as the 16th century, physicians had observed the presence of cavities within the spinal cords of cadavers. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that several European doctors began investigating this strange condition. Dr. Hans Chiari, an Austrian pathologist, was one of the leading minds in this movement. His studies on malformation of the brain stem and cerebellum led to a deeper understanding of syringomyelia. Like many other doctors at the time, his observations came from the study of cadavers during post-mortems. Chiari noted that malformations in the spinal cord were the primary cause of syringomyelia.

These malformations, called ‘Chiari malformations,’ were categorized in order of severity. Chiari observed that these malformations were an extension of brain tissue. It goes through the hole at the base of the skull and into the spinal canal, obstructing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and causing a build-up of cysts. His findings are still used by doctors today. We now know that roughly 90% of syringomyelia cases are a result of Chiari malformations.

The development of magnetic resonance imaging (M.R.I.) technology in the 20th century was a game-changer for the diagnosis of syringomyelia. They used radio waves and a strong magnetic field to generate detailed images of the spinal cord. Doctors now view syrinxes in real-time, monitoring their growth and pinpointing the precise location. All while keeping track of their progression. Though syringomyelia has no cure, modern medicine has advanced enough that there are methods of treatment to help manage the condition, like surgical procedures. During Syringomyelia Awareness Month, we reflect on this long road of discovery, research, and innovation. We also recognize those who have this rare but serious disorder.

Syringomyelia Awareness Month timeline

1688
The First Case

Johann Conrad Brunner accidentally discovers a liquid-filled cavity inside the spinal cord of an infant with hydrocephalus.

1827
Syringomyelia Becomes a Medical Term

Charles-Prosper Olivier d'Angers coins the term ‘syringomyelia’ to describe the presence of a cavity in the spinal cord.

1882
Documentation of Clinical Symptoms

German doctors Otto von Kahler and Friedrich Schultze document the clinical syndrome by the presence of an abnormal cavity in the spine, distinct from those found in the spinal cords of healthy adults.

1965
Gardner’s Hydrodynamic Theory

Gardner postulates that the cause of syringomyelia is a difference in spinal fluid pressures, which lead to cavities filling up with fluid inside the spine.

Syringomyelia Awareness Month FAQs

Can Syringomyelia affect the brain?

If the syrinx gets bigger over time, it may compress or injure nerve fibers that carry information to the brain.

Does Syringomyelia affect the legs?

Yes, a common symptom of syringomyelia is muscle weakness and atrophy, which may influence the shoulders, arms, back, or legs.

How long is recovery from Syrinx surgery?

Recovery time may take between four and six weeks, depending on the patient’s general health.

How to Observe Syringomyelia Awareness Month

  1. Get the word out

    You can help raise awareness too. Spread the word about syringomyelia. You can pass out fliers, make ribbons or just discuss it with others. The more people know about it the better.

  2. Buy some merchandise

    Every movement needs a symbol. Buying a t-shirt or ribbon that talks about syringomyelia can help raise awareness. As a bonus, the funds go towards the research and treatment of syringomyelia.

  3. Volunteer with a support group

    There are many support groups for people with syringomyelia. You can start by looking for them online. Contact them and let them know you’d like to get involved in any way possible. These organizations are happy to get help from those who want to learn more about syringomyelia.

5 Important Facts About Syringomyelia

  1. Syringomyelia affects animals too

    Canines like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel also get affected by syringomyelia.

  2. Prevalence of Syringomyelia

    Approximately eight out of every 100,000 people have this condition.

  3. It affects men disproportionately

    For unknown reasons, syringomyelia impacts men more than women.

  4. The onset age

    People with syringomyelia develop symptoms between 25 and 40, and the average age of onset is 30.

  5. Meningitis may cause Syringomyelia

    Meningitis causes inflammation of the spinal cord membrane, which can lead to acquired syringomyelia.

Why Syringomyelia Awareness Month is Important

  1. It brings attention to a rare disorder

    Syringomyelia is a rare condition, one with symptoms that mimic many other illnesses. As such not many people know about it. During this period of awareness, health workers and patients with syringomyelia can bring attention to the disease, educating others on its causes and symptoms.

  2. Much needed support

    It’s easy for someone battling a serious neurological disorder to feel alone, especially when that disorder isn’t as well known as other conditions. On Syringomyelia Awareness Month, affected people get some much-needed emotional support and attention.

  3. It promotes better policies and treatment

    During this period of awareness, affected people have the opportunity to push for policies and treatment for syringomyelia. Organizations concerned with this disorder can come together and rally support for their initiatives, which improve things for those who have syringomyelia.

Syringomyelia Awareness Month dates

YearDateDay
2024May 1Wednesday
2025May 1Thursday
2026May 1Friday
2027May 1Saturday
2028May 1Monday
Hurricane Preparedness Week
National Physical Education and Sport Week
Aces Day
Agriculture and Labor Day
Beltane
Blessing Day
Calan Mai
Couple Appreciation Day
CSS Reboot Day
Executive Coaching Day
Frequent Flyer Day
Global Love Day
Great American Grump Out
International Doodle Dog Day
International Sunflower Guerilla Gardening Day
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 Day
Labor Day Philippines
Learn to Ride a Bike Day
Lei Day
Marshall Islands Constitution Day
May Day
Mother Goose Day
National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day
National Black Barber Shop Appreciation Day
National Chocolate Parfait Day
National Infertility Survival Day
National Interpreter Appreciation Day
National Loyalty Day
National Mantra Day
National Purebred Dog Day
National Rotate Your Beer Day
National Skilled Trades Day
National Skilled Trades Day
New Homeowners Day
Phone in Sick Day
Save The Rhino Day
School Principals' Day
Silver Star Banner Day
Therapeutic Massage Awareness Day
Worthy Wage Day
ALS Awareness Month
American Cheese Month
American Wetlands Month
Anxiety Awareness Month
Arthritis Awareness Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Awareness of Medical Orphans Month
Be Kind to Animals Month
Bealtaine Festival
Better Sleep Month
Better Speech and Hearing Month
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
Brain Cancer Awareness Month
Building Safety Month
Celiac Awareness Month
Chip Your Pet Month
Chronic Fatigue Awareness Month
Clean Air Month
Community Action Month
Correct Posture Month
Creative Beginnings Month
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
Date Your Mate Month
Deck Safety Month
EDS Awareness Month
Electromagnetic Radiation Awareness Month
Family Wellness Month
Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month
Food Allergy Action Month
Fungal Infection Awareness Month
Gardening for Wildlife Month
Get Caught Reading Month
Gifts From The Garden Month
Global Employee Health and Fitness Month
Global Youth Traffic Safety Month
Haitian Heritage Month
Heal the Children Month
Healthy Vision Month
Hepatitis Awareness Month
Homeschool Awareness Month
Huntington's Disease Awareness Month
Indian Heritage Month
Internal Audit Awareness Month
International Business Image Improvement Month
International Civility Awareness Month
International Drum Month
International Respect for Chickens Month
International Victorious Woman Month
Jewish American Heritage Month
Labor History Month
Latino Books Month
Leaders of Tomorrow Month
Lettuce Month
Local and Community History Month
Lung Health Awareness Month
Lupus Awareness Month
Make May Purple /Action On Stroke Month
Maternal Mental Health Month
May Measurement Month
MCS Awareness Month
Meditation Month
Mediterranean Diet Month
Melanoma / Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Military Appreciation Month
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month
National Asparagus Month
National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
National Barbecue Month
National Bicycle Safety Month
National Blood Pressure Month
National Chocolate Custard Month
National Comfort Month
National Digestive Disease Awareness Month
National Duckling Month
fried egg on national egg month
National Egg Month
National Foster Care Month
National Hamburger Month
National Heritage Month
National Inventors Month
a nurse on National Lyme Disease Awareness Month
National Lyme Disease Awareness Month
National Moving Month
National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
National Pet Month
National Photography Month
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
National Physiotherapy Month
National Physiotherapy Month
National Preservation Month
National Prom Graduation Safety Month
National Recommitment Month
National Salad Month
National Salsa Month
National San Architect Month
National Service Dog Eye Examination Month
National Share a Story Month
National Show Your Smile Month
National Sight-Saving Month
National Strawberry Month
National Teen Self-Esteem Month
National Tennis Month
National Toxic Encephalopathy and Chemical Injury Awareness Month
National Tuberous Sclerosis Awareness Month
National Vinegar Month
National Walking Month
National Youth Traffic Safety Month
Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month
Neurofibromatosis Month
Older Americans Month
Personal History Awareness Month
Pet Sitter Safety Month
REACT Month
Responsible Animal Guardian Month
Revise Your Work Schedule Month
Small Business Month
Speech and Hearing Awareness Month
Steelmark Month
Strike Out Strokes Month
Stroke Awareness Month
Syringomyelia Awareness Month
Teen CEO Month
Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
Tuberous Sclerosis Awareness Month
Ultraviolet Awareness Month
Women's Health Month
Zombie Awareness Month

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.