cord motion studies results

My daughter has syringomyelia, moderate size syrinx t8-t11. She has had a myelogram which was normal, mri which showed syrinx, cord motion studies which results stated looked like her cord was lower that normal and had the same values as someone that had retethered after de-tethering surgery. She has has had chronic pain in her spine and legs for 18 months. Can you explain what those cord motion studies could mean?do this mean her cord is tethered, as they say it doesnt look tethered on mri?we are rather confused.my daughter is 10 years old.

[Neuro Forum]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Without the ability to examine your daughter and obtain a history, I can not comment on her diagnosis. However, I will try to provide you with some general information.

Tethered cord syndrome is a term used to describe neurological deficit associated with impaired ascent of the spinal cord; normally, the spinal cord normally moves up in the spinal canal as a person grows. Tethering may be the result of abnormal development when a fetus is forming, or it may be the result of trauma and scar tissue formation later in life. It can also occur secondary to correction of a congenital abnormality surgically (following surgery). Sometimes the presence of scar tissue can cause a cyst of fluid to form in the spinal cord, a syrinx. However, syrnixes can have other causes unrelated to tethered cord.

Cord motion studies are basically a type of MRI technique called phase MRI. This is not a commonly used technique to diagnose tethered cord to my knoweldge. It is a varied technique of MRI; it is an MR dynamic study. MRI itself is considered a very good means of diagnosing tethered cord. Cord motion studies are used more to determine outcome of detethering if it is planned rather than to diagnose tethering itself. In general, those with severe detethering have been shown in research studies of cord motion abnormalities to not have a good outcome after surgery. It is important to remember that MRI findings alone can not be used to diagnose clinically significant tethered cord, there must be some clinical evidence of neurologic dysfunction such as weakness in the legs, loss of sensation, abnormal bladder function etc.

I suggest continued follow-up with your daughter's physician, it is important to discuss your questions and concerns with him/her. Evaluation by a pediatric neurologist if one has not yet been involved may be helpful.

Thank you for using the forum I hope you find this information useful good luck