sleeping difficulties

I work with a little girl of 6 years with Spina Bifida who has a tethered spine.  Her mother has reported ongoing difficulties with sleep which we had put down primarily to stresses re incontinence.  On a recent liaison with the nurse specialist it had been mentioned that sleep difficulties can be common with spinal tethering.  When I spoke with the nurse she had relayed this information based on a report from the neurologist and could not comment further.  can you tell me more?  is this expected due to discomfort, postural managment?  and how can this be helped?

many thanks

[Caliber2005]

Hi,
I can understand your concern about little girl.
Symptoms such as weakness in the legs, low back pain and incontinence may be the first signs of this condition.
Surgery is the treatment of choice for tethered spine.
Surgery usually last for 5-6 hours and then PICU stay for few days and then discharge back home.