Diastematomyelia
Diastematomyelia
Diastematomyelia (pronounced: dye-uh-stem-uh-toe-my-lee-uh) is a congenital disorder in which a part of the spinal cord is split, usually at the level of the upper lumbar vertebra. This condition is also known as a "split cord malformation".
Etymology
The term "diastematomyelia" is derived from the Greek words "diastema", meaning "interval" or "space", and "myelos", meaning "marrow" or "spinal cord".
Symptoms
Symptoms of diastematomyelia can vary greatly depending on the severity of the split. Common symptoms include:
- Spinal deformity
- Weakness in the legs
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Incontinence
- Pain in the back or legs
Diagnosis
Diastematomyelia is typically diagnosed through imaging studies such as MRI or CT scan. In some cases, the condition may be detected prenatally through an ultrasound.
Treatment
Treatment for diastematomyelia typically involves surgery to repair the split in the spinal cord. The goal of surgery is to prevent further neurological deterioration and improve symptoms.
Prognosis
The prognosis for individuals with diastematomyelia varies. Some individuals may experience significant improvement in symptoms following surgery, while others may continue to experience neurological deficits.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Diastematomyelia
- Wikipedia's article - Diastematomyelia
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