From the Research
Brown-Sequard syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by damage to one half of the spinal cord, resulting in a distinct pattern of symptoms, including ipsilateral loss of motor function, proprioception, and vibration sense, along with contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation, as reported in a recent case study 1. The clinical features of Brown-Sequard syndrome include:
- Ipsilateral (same side as the injury) loss of motor function, proprioception, and vibration sense
- Contralateral (opposite side) loss of pain and temperature sensation
- Ipsilateral hyperreflexia, Babinski sign, and loss of bowel and bladder control depending on the level of injury This pattern of deficits is often caused by penetrating trauma, spinal cord tumors, multiple sclerosis, or ischemic events affecting one side of the spinal cord, as discussed in a case report 2. The syndrome may result from various etiologies, including:
- Penetrating trauma, such as stab injuries 1, 2
- Spinal cord tumors 3
- Multiple sclerosis 4
- Ischemic events affecting one side of the spinal cord 5 Treatment depends on addressing the underlying cause, with surgical intervention often necessary for traumatic injuries or tumors, followed by rehabilitation therapy, as highlighted in a study on cervical disc herniation manifesting as Brown-Sequard syndrome 5. The most effective approach to managing Brown-Sequard syndrome involves a multidisciplinary team, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, and rehabilitation specialists, to provide the best chance of recovery to pre-injury status, as emphasized in a recent study 1.