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Tethered cord treatment as an adult? Outcome?
Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 16 8:57am | Replies (15)Comment receiving replies
I am 75 years old and was diagnosed with a tethered cord and a spinal lipoma tumor in 2021. I knew that I had a mild spina bifida as an infant but never gave it much thought as I have led a normal life.
I saw 2 neurosurgeons about the condition after having problems with leg pain, balance, and walking. Neither would operate, saying the surgery could make things worse, but the second installed a spinal cord stimulator (scs).
I haven't ever had any help from the scs for the leg problems but maybe a little help for back pain. I think the reps and doctors are throwing darts when they make adjustments of the scs.
My hope is that things don't get worse. If they do, I'll try another neurosurgeon.
Replies to "I am 75 years old and was diagnosed with a tethered cord and a spinal lipoma..."
@hbourg
I don't understand. I am 60 years old they figured out I had a tethered cord when I was 51. I had problems my whole life which got increasingly worse. I was to the point that I could barely walk or use my arms. I had the surgery and the improvement has been amazing. I am so thankful for that surgery. My surgeon is in Charlotte, NC. Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine, his name is Dr. Heniger- He is amazing.
@hbourg
I had my tethered cord released at 49 years old. Over the years some symptoms have become better, especially constipation and some back pain. I also have spinal bifita occulta and my facet joints are overloaded because of the shape of my lower back. I have injections for this. Unfortunately, my left leg (longer) has not really recovered and causes pain at night and I struggle going up stairs. So, it is difficult to know if detethering will be successful and which symptoms may resolve. I hope this helps. I am happy I went for it though as I now have feeling in my pelvis.
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I hope you can find a doctor specializing in tethered cord. Search to see if you can find one. We're fortunate to have an excellent one here in this smallish community (100,000 population); she's here because she wants to live here, and the patients come to her. Good luck.