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Self-mutilation in a child with a tethered spinal cord. Case report
1Department of Cell Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA. richard.tubbs@uab.edu
Journal of Neurosurgery
|September 15, 2005
Summary
Self-mutilation is a rare symptom in humans following deafferentation injuries. This case study highlights a teen with myelomeningocele experiencing self-digit mutilation due to a tethered spinal cord.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Deafferentation injuries can lead to complex neurological symptoms.
- Myelomeningocele is a congenital condition affecting spinal cord development.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old female with myelomeningocele presented with self-mutilation of digits.
- This behavior emerged during adolescence concurrently with symptomatic spinal cord tethering.
Findings:
- The self-mutilation appeared to be a manifestation of dysesthesias.
- These sensory disturbances were likely caused by the tethered spinal cord.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential link between tethered spinal cord syndrome and self-mutilation.
- Recognizing dysesthesias as a cause of self-mutilation is crucial for patient management.
