Brown Sequard Syndrome

Discussion

• type of incomplete cord syndrome:
• injury to either side of spinal cord produces ipsilateral muscle paralysis (from corticospinal tract injury) and contralateral hypersthesia to pain and temperature
  (from spinothalamic injury);
• syndrome results from hemitransection of spinal cord w/ unilateral damage to the spinothalamic & corticospinal tracts and resultant loss of ipsilateral motor
  & dorsal column function & of contralateral pain and temperature sensation;
• often due to penetrating trauma or unilateral facet fracture or dislocation;

Diff Dx

• Primary Spinal Cord Neoplasia:

Prognosis

• this syndrome has a good prognosis for recovery;
• more than 90% of pts regain bladder & bowel control & ability to walk;
• most patients will regain some strength in lower extremities and most will regain functional walking ability

Blunt cervical spine Brown-Séquard injury. A report of three cases.