Bengaluru: Lesions on the lower back or a fatty tumor or a deep dimple on the lower back is often brushed off as a birthmark and neglected by most parents. But it should be a warning sign to parents as these could be physical indications of a far more serious problem than just a skin scar.
“Generally parents should be warned if the skin of the lower back appears to have a hairy patch or skin discoloration or a fatty swelling. It could be a sign of the child or newborn being afflicted with ‘tethered spinal cord syndrome,’ a neurological disorder caused by tissue attachments that limit the movement of the spinal cord,” explains Dr Murali Krishna, Consultant Neuro Surgeon at Fortis Hospitals. The attachments cause an abnormal stretching of the spinal cord.
“Normally a child's spinal cord is contained within the spinal column. As the child grows, the cord also grows and moves freely. But in some children, because of developmental disorders, the cord gets attached to the bone or skin which causes the cord to get tied down. This results in tethering,” says Dr Shibhu Pillai, senior consultant and Neurosurgeon at Narayana Health City. He has treated 30 cases in a year.
Speaking about the repercussions of the ailment, Dr Shibu says that the child would have problems in walking, control of urine would be a problem and also the child might limp while walking.
“Early diagnosis is the key -- if untreated or ignored it might permanently damage the lower end of the spinal cord. The child might develop back pain, numbness of the lower limbs, or loose-motions. If untreated the patient may go into paralysis of the lower limbs,” warns Dr Murali.
“If a tethered cord is suspected, one or more tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Generally a Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scan or ultrasound can figure the problem out. We do an ‘Untethering’ surgery where we identify the attachment and release the attachment,” Dr Murali added.
Tethered spinal cord syndrome
Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome 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, which serves not just one essential function, but many. A powerful bundle of nerves, it works with the brain to send messages that control the functions of every part of the body. Tethering may also develop after spinal cord injury and scar tissue can block the flow of fluids around the spinal cord.
