When to Seek Evaluation for Tethered Spinal Cord

Protected by the spinal column, your spinal cord has room to move freely. When abnormal attachments occur inside the spinal canal, you have tethered spinal cord syndrome, which can cause lower back pain, bladder or bowel dysfunction, or motor nerve issues in your legs. 

Neurosurgeon Dr. Aqib Zehri in Portland, Oregon, specializes in diagnosing and treating tethered cord syndrome, which may be acquired or congenital. It’s frequently linked to spina bifida, treatment of which can cause scar tissue that develops into tethered cord later in life. 

If you recognize the symptoms of tethered spinal cord syndrome, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Zehri. In this month’s blog, we help you learn what to look for so you can seek the right treatment for this progressive condition. 

Potential warning signs

Tethered cord syndrome produces symptoms that it shares with plenty of other conditions or diseases, so it’s not easy to make an armchair diagnosis. If you have one or more of the listed issues, medical assessment is the best way to determine the origin of your symptoms. 

Signs that you could have tethered spinal cord syndrome include: 

• Back pain that’s persistent and/or progressive
• Changes in leg muscle coordination or strength
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs
• Changes in your gait, balance, or coordination while walking
• Bladder or bowel dysfunction, including constipation or incontinence
• Unusual skin condition in lower spine, e.g., dimple, patch of hair, or skin discoloration

In children, watch for changes in gait, foot deformities, scoliosis, or declining motor function. 

When prompt attention is necessary

Don’t ignore persistent, progressive, or unexplained bladder, bowel, or neurological symptoms, nor should you overlook significant and sudden changes to these or other conditions, such as loss of sensation or weakness. 

The symptom overlap with other conditions is substantial, so err on the side of caution when you encounter any potential signs of tethered spinal cord syndrome. 

How a neurological evaluation helps

When you meet with Dr. Zehri, he and his team review your medical history and active symptoms and test your physical condition and neurological function. 

If your examination raises concerns, we’ll likely recommend an MRI to get a detailed look at the spinal cord and its surrounding structures. 

Other tests may be necessary, depending on factors such as your age, symptoms, and other suspected anomalies that may contribute to your condition. Diagnosing tethered cord syndrome requires a detailed clinical overview, rather than relying solely on imaging. 

Treatment depends on the individual factors present in your case. We may recommend monitoring for mild or uncertain symptoms, proceeding with neurosurgical measures only when symptoms are significant and affect your quality of life.

Find out more by contacting Dr. Aqib Zehri for an examination and consultation. Call 503-935-8500 or request an appointment online today.