What are the symptoms of tethered cord syndrome?
Symptoms of Tethered Spinal Cord
- Back pain or shooting pain in the legs.
- Weakness, numbness or problems with muscle function in the legs.
- Tremors or spasms in the leg muscles.
- Changes in the way the feet look, like higher arches or curled toes.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control that gets worse.
What causes Lipomyelomeningocele?
Lipomyelomeningocele occurs when an error in the closure of the neural tube allows a type of cell called mesenchyme to contact the inside of the neural tube. These cells prevent the tube from closing properly, disrupting the formation of meninges (membranes, or coverings) and bones around the spinal cord.
What is the Cape syndrome?
A loss of feeling may spread over the shoulders and back, described as a “cape-like” distribution. Affected individuals may also develop pain and stiffness (spasticity) in the legs and uncoordinated movements (ataxia), eventually affecting the ability to walk. In severe cases, paralysis of the arms or legs can occur.
What causes brown sequard syndrome?
Brown-Séquard syndrome is a rare spinal disorder that results from an injury to one side of the spinal cord in which the spinal cord is damaged but is not severed completely. It is usually caused by an injury to the spine in the region of the neck or back.
What happens if a tethered spinal cord goes untreated?
Consequences of Untreated Tethered Cord Patients with untreated tethered cord will continue to experience their current symptoms, and their motor and sensory function may worsen. Particularly in children, lengthening of the spine with growth can lead to paraplegia and loss of bowel and bladder function.
When should you suspect a tethered cord?
In adults, symptoms of tethered cord often develop slowly, but they can become quite severe. Symptoms may include back pain that radiates to the legs, hips, and the genital or rectal areas. The legs may feel numb or weak, and may lose muscle. Bladder and bowel control may be difficult.
What does lipomyelomeningocele look like?
A lipomyelomeningocele is covered by skin. You can usually see it on the outside of the child’s body. It looks like a large lump.
How is Brown-Séquard diagnosed?
Radiography. Radiographic studies help to confirm the diagnosis and determine the etiology of Brown-Séquard syndrome. Plain films always are required in acute trauma to the spine, but more information usually is obtained by newer techniques. Spinal plain radiographs may depict bony injury in penetrating or blunt trauma …
What neurological findings are consistent with Brown-Séquard syndrome?
Patients with Brown-Séquard syndrome suffer from ipsilateral upper motor neuron paralysis and loss of proprioception, as well as contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation. A zone of partial preservation or segmental ipsilateral lower motor neuron weakness and analgesia may be noted.