Learn about Brown-Séquard syndrome

Brown-Séquard syndrome is a traumatic spinal disorder on one side of the spinal cord in which the spinal cord is damaged but not completely severed. Brown-Séquard syndrome is a rare disorder that affects both men and women in equal numbers.

Brown-Séquard syndrome is usually the result of:
Trauma caused by a knife or gun shot to the spine or neck. Vertebral fracture, mass lesion. Diffuse scleroderma, epidural abscess. As a result of other spinal disorders such as cervical spondylosis, arachnoid cyst or dural hemangioma. Brown-Séquard syndrome can also be accompanied by a bacterial or viral infection. Concussion injuries such as falls or car accidents on rare occasions can be the cause of Brown-Séquard syndrome.

Common symptoms of Brown-Séquard syndrome are expressed through:
Loss of sensation: the affected person loses touch, vibration, or three-dimensional sense of position below the injured part (hemiplegia or paraplegia). symmetrical), especially on the same side as the spinal cord injury. Loss of pain and temperature sensation on the other side of the body opposite the side the injury occurred. Complete ipsilateral narrow band sensory loss at the level of the lesion. Weakness below the level of damage. In addition, people with severe Brown-Séquard syndrome may experience complete motor paralysis.

Brown-Séquard syndrome is primarily diagnosed by detecting motor paralysis of the muscles on the same side of the injury, and loss of pain and temperature sensation on the side opposite the site of injury.
Some imaging tests help diagnose Brown-Séquard syndrome :
X-rays : For bone injuries or in the case of impact injuries, X-rays of the spine often help detect the affected area correctly. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Can detect the extent of injury and is especially useful when the damage is not caused by any trauma. In traumatic causes of spinal cord injury, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used when neurological status deteriorates. CT myelogram : In cases where magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not possible. In the majority of situations, the diagnosis of Brown-Séquard syndrome is made based on history reports and imaging studies. Since most cases are caused by trauma, it is important to perform a differential diagnosis for similar diseases in the absence of a history of trauma.
The differential diagnoses that are excluded to diagnose this condition are:
Stroke Tumor or cyst in the spinal cord Multiple sclerosis Spinal cord injury and compression

Through a systematic review including a general neurological examination performed to assess the extent of trauma to initiate treatment for Brown-Séquard syndrome.
Currently, there is no specific treatment available for Brown-Séquard syndrome on which treatment is primarily based:
Treatment focuses on treating the underlying cause of the syndrome. Several drugs are used to control motor neuron disorders. Devices that help patients maintain daily activities such as arm lifts, limb aids, or wheelchairs are used whenever necessary for people with Brown-Séquard syndrome. Various other means of assisting patients with difficulty breathing or swallowing are also used. Other treatments for Brown-Séquard syndrome are symptomatic and supportive as follows:
Mobility of the cervical or lumbar spine, accomplished through a variety of therapies. The neck is kept at rest with the help of a necklace. Depending on the diagnosis, several surgical interventions may be needed. Such surgical interventions can improve prognosis to a large extent. Now, researchers are trying to estimate the consequences of treadmill speed on spinal cord function and walking performance.
If you have any signs or symptoms of Brown-Séquard syndrome, you should immediately go to reputable medical facilities for timely examination and treatment. Helps restore mobility effectively and quickly.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.