From the Research
Brown-Séquard syndrome is a neurological condition resulting from damage to one half of the spinal cord, causing a distinctive pattern of symptoms, as recently described in a case report of a 12-year-old boy with idiopathic transverse myelitis 1.
Definition and Presentation
It typically presents with ipsilateral (same side) loss of motor function, proprioception, and vibration sense, along with contralateral (opposite side) loss of pain and temperature sensation. This occurs because different sensory pathways cross at different levels in the spinal cord.
Causes and Diagnosis
The syndrome commonly results from trauma, tumors, disc herniation, multiple sclerosis, or ischemia affecting one side of the spinal cord. Diagnosis involves neurological examination, MRI imaging, and sometimes cerebrospinal fluid analysis, as seen in a case of traumatic cervical epidural hematoma 2.
Treatment and Prognosis
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include surgical decompression for tumors or herniated discs, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, physical therapy for rehabilitation, and pain management.
- The use of high-dose corticosteroids has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and improving outcomes in patients with Brown-Séquard syndrome, as demonstrated in a case report of a patient with idiopathic transverse myelitis 1.
- Surgical decompression may be necessary in cases of traumatic cervical epidural hematoma, as seen in a case report where the patient regained full motor function after surgery 2. Prognosis varies based on the cause, extent of damage, and how quickly treatment is initiated. Early intervention generally leads to better outcomes, though some patients may experience persistent neurological deficits, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment, as emphasized in a study on conservative management of traumatic Brown-Séquard syndrome 3.