Can tethered cord come back after surgery?
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Can tethered cord come back after surgery?
The spinal cord does have the potential to re-tether after surgery, though. For this reason, follow-up care is important after tethered cord surgery.
What are the risks of tethered cord surgery?
Treatment for a Tethered Spinal Cord There are risks with every surgery. With this particular surgery, the risks include excessive bleeding, infection, injury to the spinal cord, persistent leaking of spinal fluid and anesthesia complications.
Can tethered cord cause fatigue?
In adults, symptoms of tethered cord usually develop slowly. However, if left untreated, these symptoms may become quite severe. Common symptoms include back pain that radiates to the legs, hips, and rectal or genital areas. Many also report feelings of weakness or numbness in the legs, as well as muscle loss.
Can tethered cord cause paralysis?
In milder cases, this pull on the spinal cord is minimal and typically does not lead to damage. That being said, patients with more severe cases may exhibit the symptoms of a spinal cord injury, such as lower body paralysis or a loss of sensation.
Is a tethered cord spina bifida?
Tethering can happen before or after birth in children and adults with Spina Bífida, and most often occurs in the lower (lumbar) level of the spine. A tethered cord may go undiagnosed until adulthood when sometimes complex and severe symptoms come on slowly over time.
Does tethered cord cause headaches?
Signs & Symptoms Tethering may affect the function of the entire spinal cord even though the structural problem lies at its lowest point. As a result, those affected with tethered cord syndrome may complain of headache, nausea, and even arm pain.
Does tethered cord cause constipation?
Adult tethered cord syndrome presents with various neurological symptoms such as bladder/bowel disturbance, motor and sensory disturbance, and pain. A common bowel disturbance is constipation and incontinence, which may recover depending on the severity or duration of the symptoms.
Can tethered cord affect arms?
Tethering may affect the function of the entire spinal cord even though the structural problem lies at its lowest point. As a result, those affected with tethered cord syndrome may complain of headache, nausea, and even arm pain.
How long does a tethered cord surgery last?
The surgery typically takes about four hours, but often takes longer as the neurosurgeon works to remove the adhesion. Surgery may be difficult, and is always accompanied by careful neurophysiological monitoring to minimize damage to nerves.
