Overview
Congenital hydromyelia is a condition that was previously recognized as a distinct diagnosis but has since been marked as obsolete in medical classification systems, meaning it is no longer used as a standalone diagnosis. Hydromyelia refers to an abnormal widening or dilation of the central canal of the spinal cord, which is the small tube-like channel that runs through the center of the spinal cord. When this condition is present from birth (congenital), it means the central canal of the spinal cord is wider than normal from the time of development in the womb. This is closely related to, and often grouped with, a condition called syringomyelia, where fluid-filled cavities (called syrinxes) form within the spinal cord. In many cases, hydromyelia and syringomyelia are now considered part of the same spectrum of spinal cord abnormalities. Symptoms can include weakness in the arms or legs, numbness, pain, and problems with bladder or bowel control. The condition may also be associated with other developmental abnormalities of the brain and spine, such as Chiari malformation or spina bifida. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and may include monitoring, physical therapy, or surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Because this term is now obsolete, patients with this condition are typically reclassified under related diagnoses such as syringomyelia or hydrosyringomyelia.
Key symptoms:
Weakness in the arms or handsWeakness in the legsNumbness or loss of sensation, especially to pain and temperatureStiffness in the neck or backChronic pain in the neck, shoulders, or backDifficulty with bladder controlDifficulty with bowel controlMuscle wasting, especially in the handsAbnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis)Difficulty walking or balance problemsHeadachesTingling or burning sensations in the arms or legs
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Congenital hydromyelia.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for OBSOLETE: Congenital hydromyelia at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Congenital hydromyelia.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Congenital hydromyelia.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with OBSOLETE: Congenital hydromyelia.
Start the conversation →Latest news about OBSOLETE: Congenital hydromyelia
No recent news articles for OBSOLETE: Congenital hydromyelia.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How severe is the spinal cord abnormality, and is it likely to get worse over time?,Are there any associated conditions like Chiari malformation that need to be addressed?,How often should MRI scans and neurological exams be repeated?,At what point would surgery be recommended, and what are the risks and benefits?,What physical activities are safe, and which should be avoided?,Are there any therapies that can help maintain or improve function?,Should other family members be screened for spinal abnormalities?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Congenital hydromyelia
What is OBSOLETE: Congenital hydromyelia?
Congenital hydromyelia is a condition that was previously recognized as a distinct diagnosis but has since been marked as obsolete in medical classification systems, meaning it is no longer used as a standalone diagnosis. Hydromyelia refers to an abnormal widening or dilation of the central canal of the spinal cord, which is the small tube-like channel that runs through the center of the spinal cord. When this condition is present from birth (congenital), it means the central canal of the spinal cord is wider than normal from the time of development in the womb. This is closely related to, and
At what age does OBSOLETE: Congenital hydromyelia typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Congenital hydromyelia is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.