Adult tethered cord

[CLconnect]

Recent MRI reveals a L3 conus. Increased T2 signal central within conus - likely revealing a ventriculus terminalis. Fatty infiltration of the filum. I'm a 54yr female with RLS,occasional severe (back of thigh) muscle spasms, (mostly left leg) numbness/tingling, and most recently -  intermittent severe electrical shocks (only in the left leg). Lower Leg emg reveals that there is some sort of neuropathy, with no explanation.

Could this MRI finding be an explanation for the above symptoms? My biggest complaint is the RLS -- I take 3mg requip QD for this, and the electrical shocks are extremely painful - but short lasting.

Also, I do have grade 1 spondylolisthesis L5-S1 with advanced degenerative facets.

Thank you very much in advance for your time.

[selmaS]

   U r welcome and do let us know how u r doing <3

[CLconnect]

Thank you. I just talked with my orthopaedic dr (friend) and am being referred to a neurosurgeon.

Thanks again for your help.

[selmaS]

  Hi...it is not as rare as they think...the problem is they did not have MRI's to DX it yrs ago...even as long ago as when I was born...or even a teen....

TCS, Chiari Malformation and Spina Bifida are related conditions.......

I would look into if ur bladder issue is due to ur previous surgery or a neurogenic issue (from the TCS)....a urologist should be able to help u with that.

Do not stress out, but do push forward to get more answers...research the Drs u go to and possible conditions as u have to help u select the right Dr for u and they will guide u as to what and when u need treatment.

[CLconnect]

I do have stress incontenience, but have had bladder suspension a few years ago and assumed that maybe it came undone? I don't think that I have headaches any more than anyone else has.

The question as to whether it's congenital or acquired is quite interesting. I've never had a lumbar MRI so don't know if it has been there or not. I did have a baby sister who was born with spinal bifida (back in the 1950's) who died as they didn't have the treatments they do today. I have read that TCS is most common in babies/children and is rather rare in adults.

I have had no recent isolated injury but my husband and I are raising our now 15month old grandson and I have been doing a LOT of lifting.

Do you think this is something that needs addressed right away? I worked with my orthopaedic doctor who ordered this and his schedule was so busy (I have access to his schedule from my office and I pulled up my MRI results and I am not sure he's seen it yet) that I decided to wait till next week to see him. I was thinking of calling today and having him look at the MRI.

Thank you for your response.

[selmaS]

  Yes it can account for some of those symptoms....do u have ne bowel or bladder issues as they can also be an issue with tethered cord...as can headaches....since the cord is tethered it pulls down on the brain stem so there are many other symptoms and issues that can affect u.

Do u know  if ur TCS is congenital or acquired due to a trauma?