Disease Information for Tethered cord syndrome/congenital

Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome; Congenital Tethered Cervical Spinal Cord Syndrome; Occult Spinal Dysraphism Sequence;

Tethered Cervical Spinal Cord Syndrome; Tethered Cord Malformation Sequence; Tethered Cord Syndrome

Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome is a disorder characterized by progressive neurological deterioration that results from compression of the lowermost bundle of nerves of the spinal cord (cauda equina); It is most commonly associated with a defective closing of the neural tube (precursor of the spinal column) during embryonic development (Spina Bifida);

----------------------------------[nord website 2006]---------Tethered spinal cord syndrome is a neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal column; These attachments cause an abnormal stretching of the spinal cord; The course of the disorder is progressive; In children, symptoms may include lesions, hairy patches, dimples, or fatty tumors on the lower back; foot and spinal deformities; weakness in the legs; low back pain; scoliosis; and incontinence; Tethered spinal cord syndrome may go undiagnosed until adulthood, when sensory and 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; Tethered spinal cord syndrome appears to be the result of improper growth of the neural tube during fetal development, and is closely linked to spina bifida; Tethering may also develop after spinal cord injury and scar tissue can block the flow of fluids around the spinal cord; Fluid pressure may cause cysts to form in the spinal cord, a condition called syringomyelia; This can lead to additional loss of movement, feeling or the onset of pain or autonomic symptoms; In children, early surgery is recommended to prevent further neurological deterioration; If surgery is not advisable, spinal cord nerve roots may be cut to relieve pain; In adults, surgery to free (detether) the spinal cord can reduce the size and further development of cysts in the cord and may restore some function or alleviate other symptoms

(Edit)