Tethered cord syndrome: an unusual cause of neurobladder in adult: a case report

Atakla, Hugues Ghislain; Barry, Lounceny Fatoumata; Quenum, Marie Kisito; Sossa, Cyrus Igor; Salami, Aichat Yabo; Bekoe, Ofosu Benjamin; Sulemana, Ummi Sulaimi; Adotey, Jaccob Molai; Dakurah, Thomas Kofi; Souar&eacute;, Ibrahima Sory

doi:10.21608/pajn.2023.207013.1092

Tethered cord syndrome: an unusual cause of neurobladder in adult: a case report

Document Type : Case Reports

Authors

¹ Neurosurgery Department, University Hospital Center, Conakry, Guinea

² Neurosurgery Department, University Hospital Center, Parakou, Benin

³ Microbiology Laboratory, University Hospital Center Hubert Koutoukou MAGA, Cotonou, Benin

⁴ Division of General surgery, MAB International Clinic, Accra, Ghana

⁵ Neurosurgery Department, Korle-bu teaching hospital, Accra, Ghana

10.21608/pajn.2023.207013.1092

Abstract

Tethered spinal cord syndrome is a progressive functional disorder due to constant or intermittent axial traction of the terminal cone of the spinal cord fixed in an abnormal caudal position. It is a frequent complication of spinal dysraphism. The fixation of the spinal cord does not allow normal cranial migration within the vertebral canal. This results in neurological dysfunction. Although quite common and diagnosed early in children, this condition may be less severe and remain asymptomatic into adulthood. Diagnosis is mainly based on spinal cord MRI and treatment remains surgical in patients with the symptomatic form. The condition involves several medical and surgical specialties. Delayed diagnosis and management can affect the chances of recovery. In this work, we report the case of a 26-year-old man suffering from attached spinal cord syndrome, discovered following an initial urinary and then motor symptomatology, for which a surgical intervention and motor and bladder rehabilitation sessions allowed a progressive and complete regression of the disorders 14 months after the surgery.

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