What is Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome?
Tissue attachments that restrict the movement of the spinal cord inside the spinal column produce tethered spinal cord syndrome, a neurologic condition. The spinal cord is stretched abnormally because of these attachments. Spina bifida is intimately linked to this syndrome. It’s expected that 20-50 percent of children with spina bifida who have their abnormalities fixed soon after birth may need surgery to untether their spinal cord at some point.
What are the common symptoms of Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome?
In addition to myelomeningocele and lipomyelomeningocele discussed above, the following are other causes of tethered cord that vary in severity of symptoms and treatment:
How is the diagnosis of Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome made?
Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome can be diagnosed by either an MRI, Myelogram, CT, or CAT scan, Ultrasound.
What type of treatment for Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome is available?
Untethering is usually done only if there are clinical signs or symptoms of deterioration. The procedure entails opening the scar from the previous closure down to the dura that covers the myelomeningocele. A little piece of the bony vertebrae (laminae) is sometimes removed to gain better exposure or decompress the spinal cord. The dura is then gradually peeled away from the scarred attachments to the surrounding dura, exposing the spinal cord and myelomeningocele. The dura and the incision are closed once the myelomeningocele is free of all scarred attachments.
What are the operations/ surgical treatments available for Tethered Spinal cord?
Dr. Nitin Jagdhane is one of the best Neurosurgeon and Spine specialists for doing accurate diagnosis and preventive measures of Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome in Mumbai, India. Get in touch with Dr. Nitin Jagdhane, brain and spine specialist in Mumbai, for the best results for your Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome treatment.