Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) refers to a group of neurological disorders that relate to malformations of the spinal cord. Various forms include tight filum terminale, lipomeningomyelocele, split cord malformations (diastematomyelia), occult, dermal sinus tracts, and dermoids. All forms involve the pulling of the spinal cord at the base of the spinal canal, literally a tethered cord. The spinal cord normally hangs loose in the canal, free to move up and down with growth, and with bending and stretching. A tethered cord, however, is held taut at the end or at some point in the spinal canal. In children, a tethered cord can force the spinal cord to stretch as they grow. In adults the spinal cord stretches in the course of normal activity, usually leading to progressive spinal cord damage if untreated. TCS is often associated with the closure of a spina bifida. It can be congenital, such as in tight filum terminale, or the result of injury later in life. Signs and symptoms
In children, symptoms may include:

Lesions, hairy patches, dimples, hemangiomas, or fatty tumours on the lower back
Foot and spinal deformities
Weakness in the legs (loss of muscle strength and tone)
Change in or abnormal gait including awkwardness while running or wearing the tips or side of one shoe
Low back pain
Scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine to the left or right)
Urinary irregularities (incontinence or retention)Tethered spinal cord syndrome may go undiagnosed until adulthood, when sensory, motor, bowel, and bladder control issues emerge.
Like with the early-onset form, this disease form is linked to the Arnold–Chiari malformation, in which the brain is pulled or lowers into the top of the spine. Prognosis
The disorder progresses with age, but the aforementioned treatments can help prevent or sometimes relieve symptoms. With treatment, individuals with tethered spinal cord syndrome have a normal life expectancy. Studies have shown surgery can help improve low back pain, urinary symptoms leg weakness and walking distance. However, most neurological and motor impairments are irreversible. References
External links

National institute of Health page