Can spina bifida cause tethered?
In most cases, the condition becomes worse over time. Tethered spinal cord is common in children with spina bifida, but it also occurs in children who don’t have this condition. The good news is that tethered spinal cord is a very treatable condition, especially when diagnosed and treated early.
Can spina bifida occulta cause tethered cord?
Some people with spina bifida occulta also have a tethered cord. A tethered cord is a spinal cord that can’t move freely inside the spinal canal. Sometimes a tethered cord needs to be released with surgery.
Does spina bifida affect the spinal cord?
Spina bifida can happen anywhere along the spine if the neural tube does not close all the way. When the neural tube doesn’t close all the way, the backbone that protects the spinal cord doesn’t form and close as it should. This often results in damage to the spinal cord and nerves.
Is tethered spinal cord a birth defect?
Tethered spinal cord most often happens in children who have birth defects called myelomeningoceles or lipomyelomeningoceles. Over time, the spinal cords of children with these conditions may become stuck, or tethered, to the myelomeningocele or lipomyelomeningocele.
What causes tethered spinal cord?
Tethered cord syndrome may develop as a complication of spinal surgery. Trauma to the spine results in a band of scar formation attached to the spinal cord and can cause tethered cord syndrome. However, some researchers believe that trauma alone is not enough to cause the disorder.
Can you see a tethered spinal cord on an MRI?
Vertebral anomalies could be detected both with plain films and MRI scans. Conclusion: MRI is an excellent diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of tethered cord syndrome. Patients with persistent leg and back pain associated with sphincter problems should be evaluated with MRI for a possible tethered cord syndrome.
What causes sacral dimple?
A sacral dimple is a congenital condition, meaning it’s present at birth. There are no known causes.
How does spina bifida affect the skeletal system?
In babies with spina bifida, a portion of the neural tube doesn’t close or develop properly, causing problems in the spinal cord and in the bones of the spine. Spina bifida can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of defect, size, location and complications.
Who is most affected by spina bifida?
obesity – women who are obese (have a body mass index of 30 or more) are more likely to have a child with spina bifida than those of average weight. diabetes – women with diabetes may have an increased risk of having a child with spina bifida.
Can tethered cord be detected in utero?
A: A prenatal ultrasound may be able to detect tethered spinal cord before birth. Boston Children’s Hospital provides prenatal ultrasonography through our Maternal Fetal Care Center.
What are signs of 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.