Syringomyelia
Education on Syringomyelia and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin research from the Mark Egly Foundation, with patent claims clearly labeled as hypothesis.
Research hypothesis, not medical advice
The connections described on this page come from Mark Egly's patent filing and ongoing research. They are not established medical facts. Always work with your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Research hypothesis. The connection between Syringomyelia and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin is described in Mark Egly's 2020 patent filing. This is not established medical fact and is not medical advice. Always talk with your doctor about your own health.
What is Syringomyelia?
Syringomyelia is a health condition discussed in Mark Egly's research on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin. Neurological conditions affect the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. The patent explores links between AAT levels and certain neurodegenerative processes.
What Mark Egly's patent discusses
Syringomyelia is the development of a fluid filled cyst referred to as a syrinx in the spinal cord. Over time, the cyst can become enlarged, damaging the spinal cord, and causing pain, weakness, stiffness, and other symptoms. The majority of syringomyelia cases are caused by a condition in which brain tissue protrudes into the spinal canal, referred to as the Chiari malformation. AAT may be used to prevent the cyst formation associated with syringomyelia and potentially prevent metastasizing of cancer that may result from cyst formation and inflammation of the spinal canal. As a potent inhibitor of inflammation, in one embodiment AAT may be used to treat, control, or prevent syringomyelia, either with or without known AATD. A diagnosis of syringomyelia may prompt a medical provider to test a patient for AATD. Alternatively, a patient diagnosed with syringomyelia may seek genetic testing for AATD through an independent genetic testing company such as 23andMe or geneology.com, a pharmaceutical company supplied test kit or other private methods available. A method for treating a patient suffering from syringomyelia with AAT begins with the step of determining if the patient is AAT de…
How this may relate to Alpha-1
Mark Egly's patent proposes that when the body has too little working Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, or when neutrophils release too much neutrophil elastase, inflammation and tissue damage may worsen. For Syringomyelia, the patent suggests that testing for AATD or low circulating AAT could help guide care. This is a research hypothesis, not a proven treatment path for everyone with this condition.
What you can do
If you or a family member lives with Syringomyelia, consider learning about Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and discussing AAT testing with your healthcare team. The Mark Egly Foundation offers education and community support: