Spinal dysraphism
Spinal conditions
HCA UK’s team of experts can diagnose and treat your child if you think that they may have spinal dysraphism.
About
Need to know
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Symptoms of spinal dysraphism icon plus
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
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Diagnosis icon plus
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. -
Potential treatment options icon plus
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.
Types of spinal dysraphism
Myelomeningocele
Spina bifida occulta
Diastematomyelia
Lipomyelomeningocele
Tethered cord
Dermal sinus tract
Our consultants
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344