Diastematomyelia: Overview, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Diastematomyelia is a rare congenital neurological condition in which the spinal cord is split into two hemicords, usually by a bony, cartilaginous, or fibrous septum. This condition falls under the broader group of spinal dysraphisms and is often detected in childhood, though some mild cases may remain undiagnosed until adulthood.
What is Diastematomyelia?
Diastematomyelia is a developmental abnormality of the spinal cord where a longitudinal cleft divides the cord into two separate parts. Each hemicord may have its own nerve roots and covering membranes. The split typically occurs in the thoracic or lumbar regions of the spine and can vary in severity.
This condition is closely associated with other spinal anomalies such as scoliosis, spina bifida, and tethered cord syndrome.