Spinal dysraphism

Spinal dysraphism does not always present symptoms, and symptoms will depend on the type of condition.

• myelomeningoceleor spina bifida aperta, can cause leg weakness, incontinence, sensory loss and paralysis
• split cord malformation or diastematomyelia, can be indicated by scoliosis, or curved spine
• spinal cord lipoma or lipomyelomeningocele, may include problems with bowel and bladder function, urinary tract infections, back and leg pain, weakness, and sensory loss.
• tethered cord symptoms vary, but often include: leg weakness, sensory loss, low back and leg pain, and bowel or bladder incontinence
• spina bifida occulta rarely causes symptoms

Some forms of spinal dysraphism are detected in pregnancy by ultrasound, or can be seen in new born babies.

Others, such as spina bifida occulta, sometimes cause visible signs such as thickened skin or a patch of hair over the defect. Other spinal dysraphism conditions which affect, for example, the curvature of the spine, mobility or incontinence, are more likely to be diagnosed in slightly older children.

Diagnostic tests to confirm particular conditions might include MRI scans to produce a more detailed picture of spinal tissue and areas affected.

Your consultant will discuss the most suitable course of treatment for your child, which is likely to involve surgery for your child’s specific condition.

For example, if your child’s spinal cord is not contained in the spinal column and sticks outside the body, surgery will protect the spinal cord from further damage, remove any problem areas and restore the structure as much as possible.

Surgery for tethered cord involves opening the spinal column via a laminectomy to reveal its location and then working carefully to release the constriction.