Overview
Foix-Alajouanine syndrome is a rare condition that affects the spinal cord. It is caused by an abnormal tangle of blood vessels on or near the spinal cord, called a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF). This abnormal connection between arteries and veins causes blood to back up and pool around the spinal cord, reducing the oxygen supply to nerve tissue. Over time, this leads to damage of the spinal cord itself. The condition is sometimes called subacute necrotic myelitis or angiodysgenetic necrotizing myelopathy, reflecting the fact that it causes gradual tissue damage in the spinal cord. The most common symptoms include slowly worsening leg weakness, numbness or tingling in the legs, and problems with bladder and bowel control. Many people also experience back or leg pain. Because symptoms come on gradually and can look like other spine conditions, diagnosis is often delayed. The condition mainly affects middle-aged and older adults, and men are affected more often than women. Treatment focuses on closing off the abnormal blood vessel connection, either through a minimally invasive procedure called endovascular embolization or through open surgery. Early treatment gives the best chance of stopping further damage and allowing some recovery of function. Without treatment, the condition tends to get worse over time. It is now considered an outdated or 'obsolete' diagnostic label in some medical classification systems, as the underlying cause — spinal dural arteriovenous fistula — is now better understood and more precisely named.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Slowly worsening weakness in the legsNumbness or tingling in the legs and feetDifficulty walking or unsteady gaitLoss of bladder controlLoss of bowel controlBack pain or leg painFeeling of heaviness in the legsMuscle stiffness or spasticity in the legsSexual dysfunctionSymptoms that worsen with physical activity or standing
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Foix-Alajouanine syndrome.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Foix-Alajouanine syndrome.
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: Foix-Alajouanine syndrome.
Community
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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.Has the abnormal blood vessel connection been fully closed, and how will we know if it comes back?,How much of my current weakness and numbness is likely to improve after treatment?,What rehabilitation therapies do you recommend, and how soon should I start?,How should I manage my bladder and bowel problems, and who can help me with this?,What warning signs should prompt me to go to the emergency room?,Are there any clinical trials or new treatments I should know about?,How often do I need follow-up imaging to make sure the fistula has not returned?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Foix-Alajouanine syndrome
What is OBSOLETE: Foix-Alajouanine syndrome?
Foix-Alajouanine syndrome is a rare condition that affects the spinal cord. It is caused by an abnormal tangle of blood vessels on or near the spinal cord, called a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF). This abnormal connection between arteries and veins causes blood to back up and pool around the spinal cord, reducing the oxygen supply to nerve tissue. Over time, this leads to damage of the spinal cord itself. The condition is sometimes called subacute necrotic myelitis or angiodysgenetic necrotizing myelopathy, reflecting the fact that it causes gradual tissue damage in the spinal cord
How is OBSOLETE: Foix-Alajouanine syndrome inherited?
OBSOLETE: Foix-Alajouanine syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does OBSOLETE: Foix-Alajouanine syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Foix-Alajouanine syndrome is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.