Suspended Sensory Level

Suspended sensory level refers to the cape-like distribution of sensory loss that occurs when a cervical syringomyelia [a fluid-filled cavity (a syrinx)] (typically) expands outward and injures upon the anterolateral system (spinothalamic tract). As shown, it affects the inner (arm) fibers prior to the outer (leg) fibers as well as affecting the crossing fibers at that level. This results in a "cape-like" or "suspended" distribution of sensory loss.

• Chiari Malformation
• Meningitis
• Spinal cord trauma can cause latent syringomyelia
• Tethered cord (congenital cause)