Suspected tethered spinal cord

[ChristophersDad]

My so is17 years old. He has many problems, both mental and physical. He has scoliosis. My ex took him to the hospital for his check up. The doctor seems to think that he has a tethered spinal cord. He cannot have an MRI as he has a metal wire under the bridge of his nose, from an operation many years ago. The dr said that when they operate they will have to go in blind, increasing the risk of paralysis, if as they think, the cord is tethered.
No other tests have been mentioned ie CT Myelogram. We do not know where to turn. The Doctors tell us all the negatives without fully explaining. We feel that if they seriously think he has Tethered spinal cord that he should be referred to a neurosurgeon.

We are in the UK and the treatment is on the NHS.

[ChristophersDad]

Could somebody tell me if a CT Myelogram is usual when tethered spinal cord is suspected?

I had never heard of it until I searched google, where I found one mention of it being medically necessary when TSC is suspected,and is a better indicator than an MRI?

But of course, I could probably find 100 pages that would say the opposite :confused:

[ChristophersDad]

Is there anybody out thereeeeeeeeeeeeee???????

[Tennessee Lisa]

I hope you see this; I joined just so I could answer your questions!

Yes -- myelogram CTs are standard for suspected tethered cord where MRI is not possible. Many people who are diagnosed via MRI subsequently have myelogram CTs because they give the surgeon more detailed information about spinal anatomy that assists with planning and executing the surgery. I have tethered cord and have had 3 myelogram CTs, along with many MRIs.

I'd like to invite you to visit spinabifidaconnection.com -- this is an online forum for people who have any form of spina bifida or related conditions, like tethered cord. It is for people who have the conditions as well as parents who have children with the conditions. We have many participants affected by tethered cord and are an active international forum, with participants from the US, Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and a few other places.