Question 1

what is the role of spinal cord in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Connector: The spinal cord connects the nerves in the brain with the nerves throughout the body.

Question 2

what is 'detethering of the spinal cord'? how common is it, successful and what are the risks?

Accepted Answer

Tethered cord: This is when the spinal cord is held in tension due to its attachments being 'terhered'.  Can see it with various pathology.  In an appropriately symptomatic patient, detethering the cord can provide significant relief but depending on particular case can be associated with risks, including re-tethering of the cord.  Please speak to your neurosurgeon regarding the specific risks in specific case.

Question 3

what is the difference between spinal cord compression & spinal stenosis? can you have one without the either?

Accepted Answer

Spinal stenosis is: an abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal,usually due to degenerative arthritic.  Since the cord runs through the canal, spinal stenosis can cause compression of the cord. But, anything that can press on the cord can cause cord compression, for example, tumor, disc herniation, displaced fracture, hematoma, and instability can also cause cord compression. You don't need stenosis to have compression

Question 4

what is grey matter of the spinal cord composed of?

Accepted Answer

Grey Matter: Grey matter of the central nervous system contain nerve cell bodies. If you need more specific information, please rephrase your question.

Question 5

what is the name of that spinal cord disease als?

Accepted Answer

A few terms: Spinal muscular atrophy refers to a childhood disorder of motor nerve cells.  Primary lateral sclerosis is a focal form of ALS which can involve spinal cord.  Primary muscular atrophy is another term indicative of a varying location, within cord, sparing upper nerve cells.

Question 6

can you tell me what is the recovery time from spinal cord stimulator implant?

Accepted Answer

Variable: It can range from weeks to months depending on the complexity of the surgery for implant and the skill of the surgeon.

Question 7

what is the treatment for spinal cord tumor?

Accepted Answer

Removal: Removal of tumor to prevent damage to spinal cord.

Question 8

what is spinal cord insult?

Accepted Answer

Cord Injury: Its a generic term used for injury to the spinal cord. Usual causes include infection, trauma, autoimmune/inflammatory and from multiple sclerosis.

Question 9

how big is the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Not very: The spinal cord is roughly 18 inches long and somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 inch in diameter.  It extends from the foramen magnum (the giant hole at the base of the skull) to approximately the 10th-12th thoracic vertebrae.

Question 10

what can injure the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

Many: Definition of the word injury is important. Spinal cord can be damaged by trauma, compression, infection, decreased blood supply, autoimmune disorder etc etc.

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Doctor answers about:

What is the spinal cord

A member asked:

What is the role of spinal cord in the nervous system?

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What is 'detethering of the spinal cord'? how common is it, successful and what are the risks?

A member asked:

What is the difference between spinal cord compression & spinal stenosis? can you have one without the either?

A member asked:

What is grey matter of the spinal cord composed of?

A member asked:

What is the name of that spinal cord disease als?

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Can you tell me what is the recovery time from spinal cord stimulator implant?

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What is the treatment for spinal cord tumor?

A member asked:

What is spinal cord insult?

A member asked:

How big is the spinal cord?

A member asked:

What can injure the spinal cord?

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