What Is Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome and How Is It Treated?

Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome is a disorder related to the spinal cord and nervous system and can occur for a variety of reasons. This condition restricts the normal movement of nerves in the spinal cord and over time leads to nerve damage and loss of function. Early diagnosis and treatment of Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome can significantly improve patients’ quality of life and prevent permanent damage. In this article that we have written for you, we will try to give you information about what Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome is, how it occurs in babies and its causes.

What Is Tethered Cord Syndrome?

Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome is a condition in which the spinal cord and nerves cannot perform their normal movements due to abnormal connections. This condition causes the nerves in the spinal cord to stretch and become damaged over time. Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome can be congenital or develop later. Patients may experience symptoms such as difficulty in movement, pain, problems with urine and stool control, and loss of sensation.

What Is Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome in Infants?

Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome in infants occurs due to congenital abnormal spinal cord connections. This is due to the incomplete development of the spinal cord and nerves in the prenatal period. Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome in infants manifests itself with symptoms such as difficulty in movement in the legs, foot deformities, and problems in urine and stool control. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve babies’ quality of life and prevent permanent damage.

What Are the Causes of Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome?

Causes of Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome include congenital spinal cord and nerve abnormalities, spinal cord traumas and surgical interventions, tumors and infections. It can be caused by congenital causes, genetic factors and problems experienced during pregnancy. Tightened Spinal Cord Syndrome, which develops later on, occurs as a result of damage to the tissues around the spinal cord and nerves or the formation of abnormal connections.

The diagnosis of Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome is made by patients’ symptoms, physical examination and imaging methods (MRI, ultrasound). Treatment is usually carried out by surgical intervention. Surgical treatment aims to cut abnormal connections and reduce tension so that the spinal cord and nerves can move normally. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve patients’ quality of life and prevent permanent damage.

What Are the Symptoms of Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome?

Symptoms of tethered spinal cord syndrome include:

• Pain,
• Numbness and tingling,
• Muscle weakness and atrophy,
• Gait disorders,
• Bladder and bowel problems,
• Scoliosis,
• Foot and leg deformities,

How Is Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome Diagnosed?

Doctors usually use the following methods for the diagnosis of tethered spinal cord syndrome;

• Physical examination,
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI),
• Computed Tomography (CT),
• Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies,

How Is Tight Spinal Cord Syndrome Treated?

Treatment for tethered spinal cord syndrome varies depending on the patient’s symptoms and the severity of the condition. Treatment options may include;

• For patients with mild symptoms, physical therapy, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used.

• In the case of severe symptoms and loss of function caused by tethered spinal cord syndrome, surgical intervention may be required. Surgery is a decompression procedure to reduce tension on the spinal cord and prevent nerve damage.

• It is important that patients participate in physical therapy and rehabilitation programs after surgery. These programs help patients regain muscle strength and mobility.

• It is important that patients with tethered spinal cord syndrome undergo regular medical check-ups and update their treatment plans when necessary.

How Is Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome Surgery Performed?

Tethered Cord Syndrome (TCS) is a condition caused by abnormal connections that restrict the normal movement of the spinal cord and nerve roots and create tension. This leads to stretching and compression of the spinal cord, trauma and damage to the nerve roots, and ultimately to various neurological symptoms. Tethered spinal cord syndrome surgery is a procedure performed to reduce this tension and preserve spinal cord functions. How the tethered spinal cord syndrome surgery is performed can be briefly explained as follows;

Before the operation, a detailed evaluation of the patient’s general health and spinal cord structure is made. This evaluation is performed using various imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and radiographic imaging. These procedures help the surgeon create the surgical plan and select the appropriate anesthesia method for the patient.

Tethered spinal cord syndrome surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. This ensures that the patient does not lose consciousness and does not feel pain during the surgery.

The surgeon starts the procedure by making an appropriate incision (cut) on the patient’s back. It carefully opens the bones of the spine and other structures to reach the spinal cord and nerve roots. It then releases the abnormal connections and tissues to relieve the tension of the spinal cord. This procedure aims to protect the spinal cord and nerve roots from further damage.

The surgeon replaces the membranes and other structures that protect the spinal cord and nerve roots. Next, he carefully closes the incision and secures it with sutures.

The patient’s postoperative condition is closely monitored. Usually a few days stay in the hospital is required. During this time, the patient’s pain and discomfort are brought under control and it is evaluated whether spinal cord functions have improved.

After Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome Surgery

Some of the conditions that patients may experience after tethered spinal cord surgery are as follows;

• It is normal for patients to experience pain and discomfort in the back and spine regions in the postoperative period. This condition can be controlled with painkillers prescribed by the doctor.

• The healing process of patients varies from person to person. Generally, it may take several weeks to several months for patients to return to their daily activities and fully recover.

• It is recommended that patients participate in physical therapy and rehabilitation programs to strengthen the spine and back muscles and increase flexibility in the postoperative period. These programs help patients recover faster and return to their normal lives.

• It is important for patients to consult their doctor regularly in the postoperative period. During these visits, the doctor evaluates the patient’s recovery and adjusts the treatment plan when necessary.

Tensioned Spinal Cord Syndrome Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in making its name known to the world with its investments and Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and relatives of patients who want to come to Turkey are doing research on the prices of treatment for Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome in Turkey. However, it would not be correct to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.