Related Experiment Videos
Cervical disc herniation and Brown-Sequard syndrome: a case report
A F Mustapha1, A A Aremu, T O Bello
1Department of Medicine, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, College of Health Sciences, Osogbo, Nigeria.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences
|October 23, 2008
Summary
Brown-Sequard syndrome, a rare condition caused by herniated cervical discs, presented in a 45-year-old female. She experienced motor deficits and sensory loss, responding well to conservative treatment despite surgical recommendations.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Cord Medicine
Background:
- Brown-Sequard syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction.
- Cervical disc herniation is a common cause of spinal cord compression, but rarely leads to Brown-Sequard syndrome.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old female presented with right-sided extremity weakness and left-sided loss of pain and temperature sensation below C4.
- CT myelogram identified C3/C4, C4/C5, and C5/C6 disc herniations, with significant C4/C5 compression and posterior osteophytes at C5/C6.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms were consistent with Brown-Sequard syndrome secondary to cervical disc herniation.
- Conservative management, including physiotherapy, resulted in a positive symptomatic response.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare presentation of Brown-Sequard syndrome due to cervical disc herniation.
- It suggests that conservative management can be effective in select cases, even when surgery is typically indicated.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...