Tethered cord syndrome results from abnormal tissue growth that can cause which outcome?

• A. Ischemia and progressive neurologic impairment
• B. Immediate paralysis in all patients
• C. Rapid neuropathy resolving spontaneously
• D. No impact on function

Answer: (A)

Tethered cord syndrome happens when the spinal cord is abnormally attached inside the spine, so as a child grows the cord is stretched. This traction reduces blood flow to the cord and causes chronic, ongoing injury to nerve tissue. The most consistent outcome is ischemia of the spinal cord with progressive neurologic impairment over time, which can show up as worsening leg weakness, sensory changes, and bladder or bowel dysfunction as the child grows.

Immediate paralysis in all patients isn’t typical; many cases start subtly and worsen gradually rather than suddenly. Rapid neuropathy that resolves spontaneously isn’t characteristic either—the damage from chronic traction tends to be progressive rather than spontaneously reversible. And having no impact on function contradicts the common course of tethered cord, which often affects multiple neurological domains.