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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 Tumors or Cysts

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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Syndrome in Turkey

Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome (TSCS) is treated in Turkey with the latest surgical techniques and technologies, including minimally invasive surgery and neuroimaging for precise diagnosis. Improved tissue management during surgery has been the subject of recent studies to enhance long-term function, reduce recovery periods, and enhance surgical outcomes. Turkish hospitals are well equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and expert professionals, providing comprehensive treatment tailored to the needs of each patient for optimal results.

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 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 Turkey

Acibadem Altunizade Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Acibadem Altunizade Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey

Acibadem Altunizade Hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • The indoor area of Acibadem Hastanesi - Altunizade, Istanbul, Turkey is one of the largest at 98,000 square meters.
  • There are 550 beds and as many parking spots.
  • 75 of the beds are in the intensive care unit.
  • A hybrid operating room which has 3 diagnostic units at one location which is an amazing concept as at one time surgeries can be performed in 3 operating theatres.
  • International patients are serviced well through a particular center for them where services related to therapy and diagnostics are done.
  • Healthcare delivery in this part of the hospital can be availed in 16 different languages.
  • Robotic Surgery and Cell Therapy Unit are representative of the high standards of technology present in the hospital.
Acibadem International Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Acibadem International Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey

Acibadem International Hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • The Acibadem International Hospital is spread over an indoor area of atleast 19,000 square meters.
  • It comprises as many as 122 beds which also means there are intensive care beds (26) with observation beds (16).
  • Medical technologies are present such as Whole Body MR, DSA Digital Angiography, EUS (Endoultrasonography), and Ultrasonography.
  • Additional services like Heliport, Prayer Room, Cafeteria, ATM within premises etc. can also be availed.
  • Patients can choose from either a standard room or a suite during their hospital stay.
Acibadem University Hospital Atakent: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Acibadem University Hospital Atakent

Istanbul, Turkey

Acibadem University Hospital Atakent located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Spread over an area of 60,000 square meters
  • It has 300 wards with 8 operating rooms
  • It has an inpatient treatment capacity of 278
  • Intensive care unit bed capacity is of 29 beds
  • The healthcare organisation has several kinds of infrastructure for services such as free parking, cafeteria, Wi-Fi, hairdressing salon, ATM, ergonomic hospital beds, and prayer rooms.
  • The hospital has both standard single rooms and double rooms (24 in number) for the patients.
  • The hospital wards are also equipped with metal handrails, emergency cords, and call buttons for patients with mobility issues.
  • The latest medical technology is present here to treat patients such as MR-LINAC linear accelerator, The da Vinci robot, and TrueBeam Linear Accelerator.
  • The diagnostic department of the hospital has the following equipments:
  • MRI 3 Tesla
  • Full-body MRI
  • Spect CT
  • Flash-CT
  • Ductoscopy (early diagnosis of breast duct cancer)
  • DSA digital angiography
  • Endoultrasonography (EUS)
  • Ultrasonic echography

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Why Choose Turkey for Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome Treatment?

Here are some of the reasons for choosing Turkey:

  • 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 Turkey’s hospitals is cost-effective.
  • Turkey 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 Turkey is usually successful, with many patients showing much improvement, particularly when early intervention through surgery is achieved. Turkey's advanced technology, expert surgeons, and multidisciplinary care all contribute to encouraging outcomes. Individual outcomes may differ, but Turkey's healthcare system provides a high level of care such that patients receive individualised treatments for the best possible recovery.

Yes, many Turkey 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 benefit

Always consider the following factors when selecting Turkey hospitals:

  • Hospitals that are accredited (authorised by JCI).
  • Patient reviews and success rates.
  • Hospitals that provide seamless care to patients from abroad.

In Turkey, tethered spinal cord syndrome treatment is generally effective, with most patients experiencing significant improvements after undergoing surgery. Successful outcomes are a function of the country's highly advanced medical facilities and expert professionals. Based on the extent of the disease and the time therapy begins, success rates may vary.

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.