Frequently Asked Questions About Tethered Cord Syndrome

It is a clinical condition in which progressive orthopedic deformities, weakness in the feet and legs, pain in the lower back and/or legs, scoliosis, and urinary-defecation dysfunction may be seen due to stretching of the spinal cord.

During the intrauterine period, causes such as thick filum, split cord, myelomeningocele, and lipomyelomeningocele, which lead to adhesion or stretching of the spinal cord, cause stretching of the spinal cord. In 98% of babies born at normal gestational age, the final part of the spinal cord (conus) extends to the L2-L3 level, and in 1-2% of cases to the L3 vertebral level. By the third month after birth, the conus is almost at the L1-2 level, as in adults. In order to diagnose tethered cord, it is necessary to radiologically demonstrate that the final part of the spinal cord is below the L2-3 level. However, tethered cord syndrome may be seen even if the spinal cord ends at its normal location. Lipomyelomeningocele, dermal sinus tract, thick filum, split cord malformations, scar tissue and adhesions formed after myelomeningocele or lipomyelomeningocele repairs may also cause tethered cord syndrome.

In tethered cord syndrome, the spinal cord is affected. Muscle wasting, decreased reflexes, and urinary incontinence indicate that the final part of the spinal cord is affected. In adult patients with tethered cord syndrome, pain and urological findings are prominent. In childhood, skin findings (hairiness, capillary hemangiomas, angiomatous nevi, and atretic meningoceles, etc.), foot-leg deformities, and scoliosis may be seen. In tethered cord syndrome cases, signs and symptoms may be present from birth or may also appear at older ages.

MRI is the first preferred radiological examination. EMG is used in the diagnosis, follow-up, and during surgery.

Early diagnosis and early surgery are essential in treatment. During surgery, the spinal cord is released by cutting the tethered filum terminale, which is the terminal part of the spinal cord.

In tethered cord syndrome, the spinal cord is affected. Muscle wasting, decreased reflexes, and urinary incontinence indicate that the final part of the spinal cord is affected. In adult patients with tethered cord syndrome, pain and urological findings are prominent. In childhood, skin findings (hairiness, capillary hemangiomas, angiomatous nevi, and atretic meningoceles, etc.), foot-leg deformities, and scoliosis may be seen. In tethered cord syndrome cases, signs and symptoms may be present from birth or may also appear at older ages.

Tethered cord syndrome can be seen in people of all ages. However, people with spinal problems in the neck or lower back region are generally at higher risk. In addition, the risk of tethered cord syndrome may increase in people who have had spinal cord infections or trauma.

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a rare condition, and there is no specific method or treatment to prevent it. However, it is important to work carefully during spinal surgical procedures and to take appropriate precautions such as preventing infections in order to reduce the risk of TCS. In addition, there are some methods available to relieve and treat the symptoms caused by tethered cord syndrome. However, the most appropriate treatment method in this regard may vary depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms.

Tethered cord syndrome is a type of pressure increase occurring in the spinal cord, and its symptoms may vary depending on the increase in pressure in the spinal cord and irritation of the nerves. Some symptoms may include: Back pain Muscle spasms Headache Neck stiffness Tingling or numbness Weakness or paralysis in the arms or legs Loss of bladder and bowel control People experiencing the above symptoms are advised to consult a Brain and Nerve Surgery Specialist.

Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) may progress if left untreated and lead to serious consequences. Increased pressure in the spinal cord may damage the nerves, which may cause permanent neurological damage such as paralysis, permanent muscle weakness, and urinary and fecal incontinence. In addition, TCS may also lead to infections and other complications. Therefore, it is very important for people with symptoms of tethered cord syndrome to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible and receive appropriate treatment.