tethered spinal cord syndrome (occult spinal dysraphism sequence)

Etiology

• neural tube defect closely related to spina bifida
• abnormal stretching of the spinal cord

Pathology

• onset of symptoms related to the degree of strain on the spinal cord

Clinical manifestations

• lesions, hairy patches, dimples, or fatty tumors on the lower back
• foot & spinal deformities
• weakness in the legs
• low back pain
• scoliosis
• urinary incontinence
• fecal incontinence
• may go undiagnosed until adulthood when symptoms emerge

Management

• early surgery (children) recommended to prevent further n neurological deterioration
• spinal cord nerve roots may be cut to relieve pain (if surgery is not feasible)
• other treatment is symptomatic & supportive

Prognosis:

• with treatment, patients have a normal life expectancy
• residual neurologic & motor impairments may remain

More general terms

• neural tube defect

Additional terms

• spina bifida

Patient information

tethered spinal cord syndrome patient information