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What is tethered spinal cord syndrome?
What are the symptoms of tethered spinal cord syndrome?
How is tethered spinal cord syndrome diagnosed?
How is tethered spinal cord syndrome treated?
What is the prognosis?
What is tethered spinal cord syndrome?
Tethered spinal cord syndrome is a neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement and cause an abnormal stretching of the spinal cord within the spinal canal. This condition appears to be the result of improper growth of the neural elements during fetal development, and is closely linked to other developmental abnormalities. Tethering may also develop after spinal cord injury where scar tissue can block the flow of fluids around the spinal cord and lead to formation of cysts in the spinal cord, a condition called syringomyelia. This can lead to additional loss of movement, sensation, or the onset of pain.
What are the symptoms of tethered spinal cord syndrome?
In children, symptoms may include hairy patches, dimples, or fatty tumors on the lower back as well as foot and spinal deformities. Weakness in the legs and low back pain, and incontinence can also occur in later stages of the disease.
The course of the disorder tends to be progressive, and the syndrome may go undiagnosed until adulthood, when sensory/motor problems and loss of bowel and bladder control emerge. This delayed presentation of symptoms is related to the degree of strain placed on the spinal cord over time.
How is tethered spinal cord syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves a spinal cord scan using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which help to distinguish this disorder from other conditions that may lead to similar symptoms. There are no blood tests or other types of non-imaging modalities that can reliably diagnose tethered cord syndrome.
How is tethered spinal cord syndrome treated?
In children, early surgery is recommended to prevent further neurological deterioration. If surgery is not advisable, certain spinal cord nerve roots may be cut in order to relieve pain. In adults, surgery to free the spinal cord can reduce the size and further development of cysts in the cord and may restore some function or alleviate other symptoms. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
With proper treatment, individuals with tethered spinal cord syndrome can have a normal life expectancy. However, some neurological and motor impairments may not be fully correctable.
