Pan, syrinx and syringomyelia

Abstract

Many myths and legends have had a deep influence on modern language, and on modern medical vernacular. The terms “syrinx” and “panic” are two of the most characteristic examples and their use in neurology and other specialties is well known. This article reviews the history of these words in Greek mythology and their use in modern medicine. It is known by very few that clinical symptoms or conditions, such as syringomyelia and panic attacks, have a mythological origin in their definition and naming. © 2017, Associacao Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria. All rights reserved.