Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome Treatment in Singapore
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What is Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome?
A tethered spinal cord happens when your spinal cord abnormally attaches to the wall of your spinal canal. Usually, your spinal cord moves freely inside your spinal canal.
When your spinal cord attaches to your spinal canal, this can limit its movement and cause tension. This tension can cause your spinal cord to stretch, damaging it and restricting blood flow to your spinal nerves.
What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?
Since long-standing symptoms might not go away once the spinal cord is freed, treating the tethered cord as soon as possible following diagnosis is best. Treatment aims to stop the symptoms from getting worse and, in certain situations, to reverse them.
What are the Common Symptoms of Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome?
Individual differences in the symptoms of a tethered spinal cord can be significant. Some newborns have signs of a tethered spinal cord. Tethered cord symptoms typically appear in youngsters as they get older. Rarely, some people have no symptoms as children, but if left untreated, may develop symptoms as adults.
Tethered spinal cord syndrome in adults and children may be linked to:
- Walking difficulties
- Your lower back may have dimples, benign tumours, or hair patches
- Haemangiomas, a kind of birthmark, and patches of discoloured skin
- Your back or legs may feel numb
- Severe back or leg discomfort that frequently spreads to your genital area or rectum
- Scoliosis
- Acrochordons, or skin tags
- Difficulty controlling one's bowels and bladder.
- Spinal cord cysts filled with fluid (syringomyelia)
- Muscular atrophy is the loss of muscular mass.
Causes and Risk Factors of Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome
Causes
Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome is caused by an abnormal attachment of the spinal cord to the tissues that surround it, which could be acquired from trauma or scarring or congenital disorders such as spina bifida. This restriction could lead to straining of the spinal cord and allied neurological issues.
Risk Factors
Tethered spinal cord syndrome risk factors include
- Congenital Conditions
- Family History
- Previous Spinal Surgery
- Trauma
- Spinal Tumours or Cysts
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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Syndrome in Singapore
Recent research emerging from Singapore has revealed significant advancements in the treatment and rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries (SCI). A pilot study found that by combining epidural spinal cord stimulation with rigorous rehabilitation, people with chronic, clinically complete SCI were able to regain voluntary motor control and walk independently overground within a month after their treatment. Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis have highlighted that interventions such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, functional electrical stimulation, and robotic-assisted treadmill training have significantly improved lower extremity function and walking capacity in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome Prevention Tips
Although tethered spinal cords cannot be avoided, symptoms can be reversed with early intervention. If you or your kid exhibits any signs of a tethered spinal cord, get medical help immediately.
Treatment options for Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome
Spinal Fusion Surgery: Spinal cord fusion surgery and laminectomy are typically performed by a neurosurgeon, a medical professional specialising in brain and spine surgeries. They start by cutting your lower back. After that, doctors carefully remove scar tissue and separate the spinal cord from the spinal canal using surgical instruments.
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- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Examines your spinal cord, nerves, and surrounding structures using radio waves and magnets.
Myelogram: A contrast dye is injected by your healthcare practitioner into the membrane that envelops your spinal cord, known as the thecal sac. They then check for tethering to your spinal canal using an X-ray. - CT scan: This examination uses specialised computers and X-rays to examine your body. Neurologists may utilise a CT scan following a myelogram to observe the contrast dye flow around your spinal cord.
- Ultrasound: Your healthcare provider employs high-frequency sound waves to see within your body. Your neurologist may use it to examine the movement of your spinal cord within your spinal canal. Young newborns are the most common users of this.
MediRehab (chain of Rehab centres - Part of MediGence) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services to support patients through Teleconsulations and online therapy sessions.
After surgery, some patients may require physical or occupational therapy to help them regain function. Although it is unlikely to repair nerve damage that has already occurred, the procedure is done to stop further nerve damage. Therefore, even after treatment, some persons may still experience muscle weakness or difficulty with motor control (movement).
- Depending on the situation, your healthcare professional may prescribe medicine to help control your symptoms and support the treatment plan.
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Hospitals for Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome in Singapore
Gleneagles Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
Gleneagles Hospital, located on Napier Road in Singapore, is a leading private healthcare institution offering comprehensive medical services and advanced clinical care. With 221 beds and a strong team of medical specialists, the hospital holds the Singapore Quality Class certification for excellence in healthcare. Its state-of-the-art facilities include ICU, HDU, NICU, Urgent Care Centre, operating theatres, radiology, endoscopy, laboratories, and rehabilitation units. Gleneagles specializes in orthopaedics, oncology, women’s health, and gastroenterology, offering tailored programs for cancer, bone, and gut health. With modern maternity packages and patient-friendly rooms, the hospital ensures compassionate, high-quality care focused on safety, comfort, and recovery.
Farrer Park Hospital
Singapore, Singapore
Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Farrer Park Hospital located in Connexion, Singapore has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- A medical centre is linked to the Farrer Park Hospital Complex, Connexion, Singapore
- The focus of the hospital is to bring together two essential elements: those of healthcare combined with hospitality.
- There is a building with 20 different stories which comprises Owen Link, hotel and spa.
- Personal attention and patient care focus is maintained with a system in place of listening, analysing, evaluating and then implementing a treatment plan.
- 121 bed capacity
- Technology and innovations help provide the best of medical and surgical treatment options.
- Professionally implemented international patient care systems
- Suites: Cardiovascular, day surgery, endoscopy, major surgery, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and inpatient suite
- Diagnostic imaging and intensive care unit
- 24 hour emergency clinic and pharmacy
- Facilities such as dialysis, nutrition services, rehab centre, and teaching clinic
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Why Choose Singapore for Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome Treatment?
Here are some of the reasons for choosing Singapore:
- Due to advancements in medical facilities, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques and spinal cord fusion surgery.
- World-class experts include highly experienced doctors and JCI-accredited healthcare institutions.
- Compared to other countries, treatment in Singapore’s hospitals is cost-effective.
- Singapore hospitals provide international patient services, including a multilingual support system.
- Improved treatment methods and biological therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Tethered Spinal cord syndrome is treatable. Surgery to release (detether) the spinal cord in adults helps lessen the size and progression of cord cysts. Additionally, surgery may relieve some symptoms or restore some function. Other types of treatment can help alleviate TSCS symptoms in adults and children.
Treatment for Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome in Singapore is usually successful, with many patients showing much improvement, particularly when early intervention through surgery is achieved. Singapore's advanced technology, expert surgeons, and multidisciplinary care all contribute to encouraging outcomes. Individual outcomes may differ, but Singapore's healthcare system provides a high level of care such that patients receive individualised treatments for the best possible recovery.
Yes, many Singapore hospitals offer the following for Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome treatment:
- Advanced diagnostic tools like MRI, CT, electromyography, and PET scan for accurate Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome diagnoses.
- Skilled neurologists and surgeons performing spinal cord fusion for Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome treatment.
- Comprehensive post-surgery care and rehabilitation for long-term health benefits
Always consider the following factors when selecting Singapore hospitals:
- Hospitals that are accredited (authorised by JCI).
- Patient reviews and success rates.
- Hospitals that provide seamless care to patients from abroad.
The outcomes of treating tethered spinal cord syndrome (TCS) in Singapore can differ based on several factors, including the patient's age, how long they've been experiencing symptoms, and whether there are any other related conditions. According to a study involving 164 patients, 46.6% of those with motor impairments and 58.5% of those with bladder dysfunction showed improvement after surgery. Remarkably, the complication rate stood at just 1.8%, meaning that the need for repeat operations was quite rare.
Children who have a tethered spinal cord may experience shooting pain in their legs or back aches. Weakness, numbness, or issues with the function of the leg muscles.
Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are essential to minimise the long-term complications of Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome (TSCS), which can cause progressive muscle weakness, numbness in the legs, difficulty walking, impaired bladder and bowel control, chronic back pain, and in severe cases, partial paralysis if left untreated.
When caring for a child with Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome, it is essential to keep an eye on their symptoms, lead a healthy lifestyle, seek early surgical intervention if needed, and work closely with a team of specialists that includes a urologist, physical therapist, and neurosurgeon. This is especially important if the child exhibits any signs of worsening neurological function, such as increased back pain, muscle weakness, or problems controlling their bladder.