Neurological Conditions

The spinal cord is a tubular bundle of nervous tissue and supporting cells that extends from the brainstem to the lumbar vertebrae (lower back). Along with the brain, it forms the central nervous system (CNS) which is responsible for movement, sensory perception and control of all bodily functions. The spinal cord is free to move within the spinal column which is important as the spine lengthens.

Tethered cord syndrome is a rare neurological disorder where the spinal cord is attached or tethered to tissue around the spine, thereby limiting movement of the spinal cord. This can cause abnormal stretching of the spinal cord as the spine grows and can lead to nerve damage, pain, gait problems, incontinence and structural deformities of the spine or legs along with a range of other symptoms.

Primary tethered cord syndrome is present from birth and is often characterised by the presence of a fatty tumour, caudal tail, hairy lesion or discolouration on the lower back. Spina bfida, dermal sinus tract and diastematomyelia are all congenital conditions that cause tethered spinal cord syndrome that are often identified in the first weeks after birth. In some cases, the syndrome is not diagnosed until later in childhood or early adulthood as the strain on the spinal cord increases, leading to sensory and motor problems.

Secondary tethered cord syndrome tends to present with pain along with sensory and motor problems and is often the result of infection, tumour or trauma.