Increased weakness
or loss of muscle function
Decreased muscle tone
Deterioration in gait
Worsening of bladder function
Rapidly progressive scoliosis
Back pain
Tethered Spinal Cord
In general what this condition means is a tugging of the spinal cord at the base of the spinal canal. As these children grow, their spinal cords do not grow as quickly as their spinal columns do so relatively the spinal cord must be able to freely ascend on the inside of the spinal column during growth. If various abnormal structures are holding onto the spinal cord from below it stretches the spinal cord and this can lead to progressive loss of function. Examples:
All of these symptoms can be from other causes, and need to be investigated. Tethering is usually not significant unless a person presents with clinical symptoms. In some cases, it may be necessary to have an operation to "detether" the spinal cord.
Links for more information on Tethered Cord
Tethered
Cord Syndrome: Questions and Answers
By Joseph R. Madsen, MD
(This is Andrew's Neuro-surgeon)
A
web forum to discuss Tethered Cord Syndrome
Massachusetts General Hospital
Tethered
Spinal Cord
Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in NY City
Lipomyelomeningocele
Family Support Network
Tethered
Cord Syndrome: A Personal Story and great
resource
E-mail support group:
TCS-AA - Tethered Cord Syndrome in adults
List owner: fancy@netbistro.com
