More than 500 cases of Brown-Séquard syndrome have been reported to date.
01 | Introduction
Brown-Séquard syndrome (BSS) is a rare neurological condition caused by an injury to one side of the spinal cord in the region of the neck or back. This results in muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the body and a loss of sensation on the side opposite the injury. BSS is considered an incomplete spinal cord injury due to the partial preservation of sensory and/or motor function.
02 | Causes
The most common causes of BSS are traumatic, penetrating injuries, including:
Less commonly, BSS can be caused by non-traumatic conditions such as:
03 | Symptoms
The first symptoms of BSS are usually the loss of voluntary motor function below the area of trauma on the same side that the injury occurred. Loss of pain and temperature sensation will also occur on the other side of the body below the level of injury. These symptoms will generally improve with proper treatment, and more than 90% of affected individuals recover bladder and bowel control and the ability to walk.
04 | Treatments
Treatment for this disorder focuses on the underlying causes. Initial treatment for BSS may involve:
The second stage of treatment is rehabilitation through physical and occupational therapy. The goals of physical therapy are:
Learn More
For more information on Brown-Séquard syndrome and supportive resources, please visit clevelandclinic.org.
References
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Brown-Sequard_Syndrome
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/brown-sequard-syndrome/#therapies
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22749-brown-sequard-syndrome-bss
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/321652-overview?form=fpf
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/brown-sequard-syndrome
