Diastematomyelia: causes, symptoms and treatment
Diastematomyelia is a rare congenital disease in which the spinal cord bifurcates into two parts in the lumbosacral region. The disease occurs due to improper development of the fetal nervous tissue during pregnancy.
With diastematomyelia, the spinal cord bifurcates into two parts, each of which is surrounded by its own membrane. This leads to the formation of a partition called a septum in the area of bifurcation. In addition, there may be a narrow channel that limits blood access to the nerve tissue. Both of these factors can impair circulation in the spinal cord and cause various symptoms.
Symptoms of diastematomyelia may appear in early childhood or adulthood. They include back pain, scoliosis, sensory disorders and paralysis of the lower extremities, urinary and intestinal activity. Some patients may also experience bone and muscle deformities.
Diastematomyelia is diagnosed using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the back. These methods allow you to see the bifurcation of the spinal cord and assess the degree of circulatory impairment.
Treatment for diastematomyelia may include surgery to remove the septum and restore circulation to the spinal cord. Physical therapy and rehabilitation may also be performed to restore nervous system function.
In conclusion, diastematomyelia is a rare congenital disorder that can lead to severe impairment of nervous system function. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent the development of complications and improve the prognosis for patients.
Diastematomyelia: a rare spinal cord disorder
Diastematomyelia, also known as diplomyelia or spinal cord duplication, is a rare congenital disorder that affects the spinal cord. This condition is characterized by the division of the spinal cord into two sections, usually at the lumbar or lumbosacral junction. The name "diastematomyelia" comes from the Greek words meaning "distance" and "brain".
In diastematomyelia, the spinal cord is divided into two halves by the presence of a septum or dividing membrane. Each half of the spinal cord has its own central canal system and nerve roots. In most cases, diastematomyelia occurs due to an abnormality in the development of mesoderm in the early fetus.
Symptoms of diastematomyelia can vary and depend on the extent and location of the spinal cord split. Some patients may have minimal or no symptoms, while others may experience serious problems with the nervous system. Main signs of diastematomyelia may include:
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Spinal deformities: Patients with diastematomyelia often have curves in the spine, such as scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis.
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Neurological complications: Spinal cord bifida can cause compression of nerve structures, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms, including weakness in the lower extremities, sensory disturbances, leg deformities, and problems with urination and bowel movements.
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Hydrocephalus: Some patients with diastematomyelia may experience hydrocephalus, which is characterized by excess fluid accumulation inside the skull, causing an increase in the volume of the head and can lead to problems with vision and coordination.
The diagnosis of diastematomyelia is usually based on a clinical examination of the patient and the results of additional tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), which visualize the structure of the spinal cord.
Treatment for diastematomyelia depends on the severity of symptoms and complications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the separation membrane and relieve the spinal cord from being compressed. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other medical interventions may also be recommended to improve patients' functionality and quality of life.
It is important to note that diastematomyelia is a rare disorder and research on this condition is limited. However, with advances in medical technology and testing, more accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment are becoming possible for patients with diastematomyelia.
In conclusion, diastematomyelia is a rare congenital spinal cord disorder characterized by the division of the spinal cord into two halves. This condition can cause a variety of symptoms and complications that require medical intervention and rehabilitation measures. Further research in this area will help to better understand the causes and mechanisms of development of diastematomyelia, as well as to develop more effective diagnostic and treatment methods for patients suffering from this condition.
Diastematomy is a fairly rare congenital disorder of the nervous system, which is characterized by the presence of two myelinated intermediate sections of the spinal cord (diastema). Diastematomylia is manifested simultaneously by bilateral paralysis of the lower extremities, impaired sensitivity of the skin of the lower extremities, shoulder girdle and upper torso, and dysfunction of the pelvic organs.
Diastematomylaia is often accompanied by cerebral palsy, which significantly complicates diagnosis and treatment. The causes of the disease often remain unknown, but it has been noted that diastematomas can inherit it as a recessive trait. A hereditary connection has also been established with other diseases of the central nervous system. However, the nature of the transmission is unknown. The disease is often observed in members of the same family and usually begins in the second half of pregnancy. A diastematoma can be born in either the normal or breech position, but without birth trauma. Body weight at birth is not reduced; in cases of birth with concomitant birth trauma, reduced reactivity is detected. Noteworthy is the preservation of high motor activity of the newborn throughout the entire neonatal period and the preservation of physiological muscle tone. In the first months of life, newborns experience muscle hypotonia with mild muscle atrophy and weakness of the posterior muscles. But motor development is usually not impaired. All children exhibit high motor activity; transient hypertonicity of the muscles of the distal arms and legs persists, which can appear during