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Tethered Cord Syndrome

Tethered cord syndrome is a neurological disorder in which the spinal cord can't grow normally. The spinal cord stretches farther than it should, and this results in blood vessel, nerve cell and nerve fiber damage.

  1. Causes

    • Tethered cord syndrome is caused by improper neural tube development during the fetal stage and spinal cord injuries resulting in spinal scarring. Myelomycloceles, lipomylomyncelas, dermal sinus tracts and split cord malformations also can lead to tethered cord syndrome.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of tethered cord syndrome include loss of strength, reflexes, sensation or use of the legs. Deformities of the hips, leg and spine are common symptoms. Abnormalities such as skin discoloration, fatty tumors and hairy patches of skin over the spine are common in children.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosis is accomplished through X-rays, MRIs, and evaluations of the nerves and electrical functioning in the spine. Exploratory surgery might also be performed.

    Treatment

    • Surgery to release the cord should be done immediately after diagnosis. Cutting nerve roots is done when the cord can't be released to ease the pain from tethered cord syndrome.

    Prognosis

    • Neurological and motor impairments can't be reversed, but individuals with tethered cord syndrome face a normal life expectancy with treatment.

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