Tethered cord syndrome: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Tethered cord syndrome | |||
| image = [[File:Skin_manifestation_that_is_classically_seen_in_tethered_cord_syndrome.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Skin manifestation that is classically seen in tethered cord syndrome | |||
| field = [[Neurosurgery]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Back pain]], [[leg weakness]], [[sensory loss]], [[bladder dysfunction]], [[scoliosis]] | |||
| complications = [[Paralysis]], [[urinary incontinence]], [[orthopedic deformities]] | |||
| onset = [[Childhood]] or [[adulthood]] | |||
| duration = [[Chronic]] | |||
| causes = [[Congenital]] or [[acquired]] | |||
| risks = [[Spina bifida]], [[spinal cord injury]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[MRI]], [[CT scan]], [[ultrasound]] | |||
| differential = [[Spinal cord tumor]], [[spinal dysraphism]], [[Chiari malformation]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgical intervention]], [[physical therapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on severity and timing of treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal column}} | {{Short description|A neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal column}} | ||
'''Tethered cord syndrome''' (TCS) is a neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the [[spinal cord]] within the [[spinal column]]. This condition can lead to significant neurological and orthopedic impairments. Tethered cord syndrome is often associated with [[spina bifida]], but it can also occur in individuals without any visible spinal defects. | '''Tethered cord syndrome''' (TCS) is a neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the [[spinal cord]] within the [[spinal column]]. This condition can lead to significant neurological and orthopedic impairments. Tethered cord syndrome is often associated with [[spina bifida]], but it can also occur in individuals without any visible spinal defects. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Tethered cord syndrome occurs when the spinal cord is abnormally attached to the tissues around the spine, preventing it from moving freely. This can result in stretching of the spinal cord as the individual grows, leading to damage to the spinal cord and its associated nerves. The most common sites of tethering are at the [[filum terminale]], a fibrous band that extends from the end of the spinal cord, and at the site of a [[myelomeningocele]] repair. | Tethered cord syndrome occurs when the spinal cord is abnormally attached to the tissues around the spine, preventing it from moving freely. This can result in stretching of the spinal cord as the individual grows, leading to damage to the spinal cord and its associated nerves. The most common sites of tethering are at the [[filum terminale]], a fibrous band that extends from the end of the spinal cord, and at the site of a [[myelomeningocele]] repair. | ||
==Clinical Presentation== | ==Clinical Presentation== | ||
The symptoms of tethered cord syndrome can vary widely depending on the severity of the tethering and the age of the patient. Common symptoms include: | The symptoms of tethered cord syndrome can vary widely depending on the severity of the tethering and the age of the patient. Common symptoms include: | ||
* Back pain, especially in the lower back | * Back pain, especially in the lower back | ||
* Leg pain or weakness | * Leg pain or weakness | ||
| Line 15: | Line 29: | ||
* Foot and leg deformities | * Foot and leg deformities | ||
* Loss of sensation or abnormal sensations in the legs | * Loss of sensation or abnormal sensations in the legs | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of tethered cord syndrome typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies. [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) is the most common imaging modality used to visualize the spinal cord and identify any tethering. In some cases, additional tests such as [[ultrasound]] or [[computed tomography]] (CT) scans may be used. | Diagnosis of tethered cord syndrome typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies. [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) is the most common imaging modality used to visualize the spinal cord and identify any tethering. In some cases, additional tests such as [[ultrasound]] or [[computed tomography]] (CT) scans may be used. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
The primary treatment for tethered cord syndrome is surgical intervention to release the tethered spinal cord. The goal of surgery is to free the spinal cord from the abnormal attachments, allowing it to move more freely and reducing the risk of further neurological damage. Postoperative care may include physical therapy and regular follow-up to monitor for any recurrence of symptoms. | The primary treatment for tethered cord syndrome is surgical intervention to release the tethered spinal cord. The goal of surgery is to free the spinal cord from the abnormal attachments, allowing it to move more freely and reducing the risk of further neurological damage. Postoperative care may include physical therapy and regular follow-up to monitor for any recurrence of symptoms. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for individuals with tethered cord syndrome varies depending on the severity of the condition and the timing of treatment. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can significantly improve outcomes, reducing the risk of permanent neurological damage. However, some individuals may continue to experience symptoms even after treatment. | The prognosis for individuals with tethered cord syndrome varies depending on the severity of the condition and the timing of treatment. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can significantly improve outcomes, reducing the risk of permanent neurological damage. However, some individuals may continue to experience symptoms even after treatment. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Spina bifida]] | * [[Spina bifida]] | ||
* [[Myelomeningocele]] | * [[Myelomeningocele]] | ||
* [[Neurological disorder]] | * [[Neurological disorder]] | ||
* [[Spinal cord]] | * [[Spinal cord]] | ||
[[Category:Neurological disorders]] | [[Category:Neurological disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Congenital disorders of nervous system]] | [[Category:Congenital disorders of nervous system]] | ||
Latest revision as of 07:44, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Tethered cord syndrome | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Back pain, leg weakness, sensory loss, bladder dysfunction, scoliosis |
| Complications | Paralysis, urinary incontinence, orthopedic deformities |
| Onset | Childhood or adulthood |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Congenital or acquired |
| Risks | Spina bifida, spinal cord injury |
| Diagnosis | MRI, CT scan, ultrasound |
| Differential diagnosis | Spinal cord tumor, spinal dysraphism, Chiari malformation |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Surgical intervention, physical therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on severity and timing of treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
A neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal column
Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal column. This condition can lead to significant neurological and orthopedic impairments. Tethered cord syndrome is often associated with spina bifida, but it can also occur in individuals without any visible spinal defects.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Tethered cord syndrome occurs when the spinal cord is abnormally attached to the tissues around the spine, preventing it from moving freely. This can result in stretching of the spinal cord as the individual grows, leading to damage to the spinal cord and its associated nerves. The most common sites of tethering are at the filum terminale, a fibrous band that extends from the end of the spinal cord, and at the site of a myelomeningocele repair.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
The symptoms of tethered cord syndrome can vary widely depending on the severity of the tethering and the age of the patient. Common symptoms include:
- Back pain, especially in the lower back
- Leg pain or weakness
- Changes in bladder and bowel function
- Scoliosis or other spinal deformities
- Foot and leg deformities
- Loss of sensation or abnormal sensations in the legs
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of tethered cord syndrome typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most common imaging modality used to visualize the spinal cord and identify any tethering. In some cases, additional tests such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans may be used.
Treatment[edit]
The primary treatment for tethered cord syndrome is surgical intervention to release the tethered spinal cord. The goal of surgery is to free the spinal cord from the abnormal attachments, allowing it to move more freely and reducing the risk of further neurological damage. Postoperative care may include physical therapy and regular follow-up to monitor for any recurrence of symptoms.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for individuals with tethered cord syndrome varies depending on the severity of the condition and the timing of treatment. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can significantly improve outcomes, reducing the risk of permanent neurological damage. However, some individuals may continue to experience symptoms even after treatment.
