What is Tethered Cord Syndrome?
Tethered cord syndrome is a rare neurological condition that can be present at birth or develop as you get older. The syndrome occurs when tissue attaches to the spinal cord and limits its movement within the spinal column.
Tethered cord syndrome often relates to spina bifida, a congenital disability that describes the improper formation of the spine and spinal cord. It also occurs with connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or because of:
- Trauma
- Surgery
- Congenital condition
- Transdural cord herniation
The attached tissues can cause abnormal stretching in your spinal cord that can interfere with the blood supply to the spinal cord and ultimately damage your spine.
What are the Symptoms of Tethered Cord Syndrome?
If you have tethered cord syndrome, you may notice changes in the shape of your spine due to scoliosis. You may also have other symptoms:
- Back pain
- Shooting leg pain
- Leg weakness or numbness
- Leg muscle spasms or tremors
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
It’s important that you schedule a diagnostic evaluation at The Metropolitan Neurosurgery Group as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms. Without proper treatment, tethered cord syndrome can lead to chronic nerve damage and a loss of function in your spine.
How is Tethered Cord Syndrome Diagnosed?
To confirm your symptoms relate to tethered cord syndrome and not another underlying spine condition, The Metropolitan Neurosurgery Group offers several diagnostic tests, including:
- Ultrasound
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
You may also benefit from a myelogram, a test that involves an injection of a contrast dye and specialized X-ray to follow it through your spinal canal.
How is Tethered Cord Syndrome Treated?
The neurosurgical team at The Metropolitan Neurosurgery Group has extensive experience treating cervical, thoracic, and lumbar tethered cord syndrome. Your provider may recommend surgery if you have symptoms of tethered cord syndrome that are interfering with your quality of life.
Typical surgical techniques for tethered cord syndrome include a laminectomy to remove a portion of your vertebrae to relieve pressure on your spinal cord. The surgeons also focus on untethering the excess tissue attachments from the cord.
Following surgery, your provider continues to monitor your healing process and may recommend physical therapy to build up strength in the muscles that support your spine and restore normal function in your back and legs.
To find out if you’re a candidate for surgery to treat tethered cord syndrome, schedule a consultation at The Metropolitan Neurosurgery Group today.
