Tethered Cord
The spinal cord serves not just one essential function, but many. A powerful bundle of nerves, it works with the brain to send messages that control the functions of every part of the body.
In the case of tethered spinal cord syndrome, (also referred to simply as “tethered cord”), a child's spinal cord is abnormally attached to the tissues around the spine (most commonly, at the base of spine). As a result, the spinal cord can’t move freely within the spinal canal, leading to possible nerve damage and problems with her ability to move freely.
In the case of tethered spinal cord syndrome, (also referred to simply as “tethered cord”), a child's spinal cord is abnormally attached to the tissues around the spine (most commonly, at the base of spine). As a result, the spinal cord can’t move freely within the spinal canal, leading to possible nerve damage and problems with her ability to move freely.
In-Depth, When picturing what happens when a child is affected by tethered spinal cord syndrome, it may help to imagine a balloon attached to a long string. If the string of the balloon becomes stuck or tangled—perhaps on the overhang of a door, or in the frame of a chair—the balloon can no longer turn and flow freely with the breeze: Its range of motion is greatly reduced.
In a normal spinal canal:
As the condition progresses, a child with tethered spinal cord syndrome may eventually experience:
The prognosis for the child with Tethered Cord is good, it can be treated with surgery and if caught early enough (before these
scary symptoms occur) the outcome is very good.
In a normal spinal canal:
- The spinal cord is covered by a tough membrane called the dura.
- A substance called cerebrospinal fluid, produced by the brain, flows over and around the spine and spinal cord, cushioning it from trauma.
- Before birth, the spinal cord grows along with the infant, gradually moving upward into the spinal canal.
- Around the time of birth, the spinal cord stops moving upward, but continues to hang freely in the fluid-filled “tube” of the spinal canal
- The cord bends and flexes with the child, moving up and down to accommodate sitting, standing, stretching and other motions.
- The spine, spinal cord and/or spinal canal did not develop properly (for example, because of spina bifida. )
- The filum terminale, which connects the spinal cord to the backbone, thickens or hardens, pushing down on the cord.
- ( This is more than likely Kaitlyn's problem)
- The child has undergone spinal surgery, resulting in scarring that weighs down the spinal cord.
- A tumor has formed on the spinal cord.
- A fatty piece of skin (called a dermoid or epidermoid) grows into the spinal cord, creating the same effect as a tumor although it is not cancerous.
As the condition progresses, a child with tethered spinal cord syndrome may eventually experience:
- weakness in the legs or feet
- problems controlling his bowels or bladder
- pain in his back or legs
- a curvature of the spine or scoliosis
The prognosis for the child with Tethered Cord is good, it can be treated with surgery and if caught early enough (before these
scary symptoms occur) the outcome is very good.