TETHERED SPINAL CORD SYNDROME TREATMENT
Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome (TSCS) is a neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord within the spinal column. These attachments cause an abnormal stretching of the spinal cord.
What is Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome?
TSCS is a condition where the spinal cord, typically free-floating, is anchored to the spinal column. This tethering can be due to various conditions such as spina bifida, spinal cord injury, or a spinal tumor. When the spinal cord is tethered, it becomes stretched and compressed, which can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms and can impair functioning in the lower part of the body.
Causes of Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome
The primary cause of TSCS is the improper development of the neural tube during fetal development (spina bifida). Other conditions such as lipomas, thickened/fatty filum terminale, diastematomyelia, and dermal sinus tracts can also cause TSCS. Some individuals may acquire TSCS due to injury, surgery, or spinal cord tumor.
Diagnosing Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome
The diagnosis of TSCS is a combination of a physical examination, patient history, and imaging studies. During the physical examination, the physician will look for signs such as hairy patches, dimples, or fatty masses on the lower back. Diagnostic imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, can help visualize the spinal cord and the tethering.
Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatment for Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome
Non-Surgical Treatments: In mild cases or when surgery is risky, management focuses on monitoring and addressing symptoms. Regular follow-ups with neurologists, urologists, and physical therapists are crucial.
Surgical Treatments: Untethering surgery aims to free the spinal cord and reduce the tension. This procedure typically involves the removal of the thickened filum or lipoma causing the tethering. While surgery often relieves symptoms, there can be a risk of re-tethering, necessitating further operations.
TSCS is a complex condition that needs early detection and intervention to prevent permanent neurological damage. With appropriate treatment, many individuals with TSCS can lead productive lives. Continued advancements in diagnostic imaging and surgical techniques offer promise for those living with TSCS.
Why Choose Us?
At Dr Özgür Akşan – Health Türkiye, we have been providing top-quality neurosurgical treatment options for almost a decade under the guidance and leadership of Op. Dr. Özgür Akşan. Our team is comprised of highly experienced and skilled surgeons, including Dr. Özgür Akşan, Dr. Nail Özdemir, and Dr. Feryal Akşan, all of them having more than 20 years of experience in medicine.
We offer a wide range of treatment options for various neurosurgical conditions, including herniated discs, lumbar spinal stenosis, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, cervical disc herniation, Chiari malformation, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more. Our team is highly skilled in performing advanced neurosurgical procedures, such as microsurgical discectomy, endoscopic discectomy, spinal fusion instrumentation, craniotomy, craniectomy, gamma-knife radiation therapy, and many more.
At Dr Özgür Akşan – Health Türkiye, we are committed to providing personalized care and tailored treatment plans for each patient based on their unique needs and medical history. Our clinic in Izmir is equipped with the latest technology and we are working with private hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure the highest level of care for our patients.
Choose Dr Özgür Akşan – Health Türkiye for your neurosurgical needs and experience the expertise and care of our highly trained team of neurosurgeons, led by Dr. Özgür Akşan himself.