From the Research
Brown-Séquard syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by hemisection of the spinal cord, resulting in ipsilateral loss of motor function, proprioception, and vibratory sensation, accompanied by contralateral pain and temperature loss. The management of Brown-Séquard syndrome involves early recognition, emergency spinal decompression, and evacuation of any compressive lesions, as well as the administration of high-dose methylprednisolone, which has been shown to improve neurologic outcome if administered within eight hours of injury 1. Key considerations in the management of Brown-Séquard syndrome include:
- Early recognition of the condition, which is critical for optimal outcomes
- Emergency spinal decompression and evacuation of any compressive lesions
- Administration of high-dose methylprednisolone, which has been shown to improve neurologic outcome if administered within eight hours of injury
- Individualized consideration of each patient's state of health and potential complications when administering methylprednisolone 2. The use of methylprednisolone in the treatment of acute spinal cord injury, including Brown-Séquard syndrome, has been extensively studied, and the current evidence suggests that it is the only pharmacologic therapy shown to have efficacy in a phase three randomized trial when administered within eight hours of injury 1. In clinical practice, the management of Brown-Séquard syndrome should prioritize early recognition, prompt intervention, and individualized consideration of each patient's needs, with the goal of optimizing outcomes and minimizing morbidity and mortality.