Congenital Spine Problems

Congenital spinal problems are congenital health problems that involve various structural disorders of the spine, spinal cord and nervous system. These disorders usually occur during embryonic development and can have varying degrees of serious consequences.

Diastemelia (Diastematomyelia):

Diastematomyelia is an abnormal division of the spinal canal, or the formation of two separate canals. This usually occurs as a cleft or split in the spinal cord.

Causes of Diastemelia (Diastematomyelia):

It develops due to incomplete closure or separation of the spinal canal during embryonic development.

Diastemelia (Diastematomyelia) Symptoms:

Weakness, numbness and loss of sensation in the lower extremities
Gait disorders
Urinary and faecal control problems
Pain and muscle spasms
Progressive loss of motor function over time
Tethered Cord Syndrome:

Tethered cord syndrome is a condition in which the lower part of the spinal cord is abnormally fixed or stretched. This can put pressure on the nerves, limiting the normal mobility of the spinal cord.

Causes of Tethered Cord Syndrome:

It can develop due to genetic factors, congenital disorders such as spina bifida or other abnormalities related to the spinal canal.

Tethered Cord Syndrome (Tethered Cord Syndrome) Symptoms:

Weakness in the lower extremities
Back pain
Muscle stiffness or spasms
Urinary and faecal control problems
Abnormal skin changes in areas under the skin (e.g. brown pigmentation, congenital birthmarks)
Spina Bifida

Spina bifida is a congenital condition in which the spinal cord and spinal canal do not develop properly due to incomplete closure of the spine. It usually occurs in the early stages of spine and nervous system development.

Subtypes

Spina Bifida Occulta: It is the mildest form and usually causes no obvious symptoms. There may be a small opening or congenital spots on the skin, but the nerves in the spinal cord are not affected.
Meningocele: A condition in which the meninges (membranes surrounding the spinal cord) protrude through an opening in the spinal canal. There is usually no neurological damage, but it may need to be treated.
Meningomyelocele: The most serious form. The spinal cord and meninges protrude outside the spine and this usually leads to severe neurological damage.

Spina Bifida Symptoms:

Spina bifida occulta usually does not cause symptoms.
In meningocele and meningomyelocele forms, leg paralysis, weakness, loss of urinary and faecal control, neurological problems (including mental development disorders) may occur due to nerve damage.
Meningomyelocele

Meningomyelocele is the most serious form of spina bifida. In this condition, the spinal cord and meninges come out of the spine during birth. Spinal cord tissue and nerves are located inside this protrusion.

Causes of meningomyelocele:

Genetic and environmental factors play a role. Folic acid deficiency may increase the risk of congenital defects such as meningocele during pregnancy.

Symptoms of meningomyelocele

Paralysis or weakness in the legs
Loss of urinary and faecal control
Muscle atrophy or spasms
Disorders of mental development (in some cases)
Sensory loss and nerve damage in cases where the spinal cord is spared