Articles » NINDS Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome Information Page: NINDS

NINDS Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome Information Page: NINDS

Article title: NINDS Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome Information Page: NINDS

Main condition: Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome

Conditions: Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome

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What is Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome?
Tethered spinal cord syndrome is a neurological disorder caused by an abnormal stretching of the spinal cord. The course of the disorder is progressive. In children, symptoms may include lesions, hairy patches, dimples, or fatty tumors on the lower back; foot and spinal deformities; weakness in the legs; low back pain; scoliosis; and incontinence. Tethered spinal cord syndrome may go undiagnosed until adulthood, when symptoms such as sensory and motor problems and loss of bowel and bladder control emerge. This delayed presentation of symptoms is related to the degree of strain placed on the spinal cord over time. Tethered spinal cord syndrome appears to be the result of improper development of the neural tube, and is closely linked with spina bifida.

Is there any treatment?
In children, early surgery is recommended to prevent further neurological deterioration. If surgery is not advisable, spinal cord nerve roots may be cut to relieve pain. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

What is the prognosis?
With treatment, patients with tethered spinal cord syndrome have a normal life expectancy. However, some neurological and motor impairments may not be fully correctable.

What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and supports research on disorders of the spinal cord. The goals of this research are to find ways to prevent, treat, and cure these disorders.

 Organizations

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
P.O. Box 8923
(100 Route 37)
New Fairfield, CT 06812-8923
orphan@rarediseases.org
http://www.rarediseases.org/
Tel: 203-746-6518 800-999-NORD (6673)
Fax: 203-746-6481

Spina Bifida Association of America
4590 MacArthur Blvd. NW
Suite 250
Washington, DC 20007-4266
sbaa@sbaa.org
http://www.sbaa.org/
Tel: 202-944-3285 800-621-3141
Fax: 202-944-3295

This fact sheet is in the public domain. You may copy it.Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892


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