Spinal cord injury without radiological abnormality (SCIWORA) manifested as self-limited brown-SEQUARD syndrome

Combination between SCIWORA and Brown-Sequard syndrome in a patient is a rare condition. In SCIWORA, there is usually a delay in neurologic deficits which can potentially lead to misdiagnosis. Therefore, the clinician should have a good understanding of the course of the disease to make a good diagnosis and treatment.

Reporting a case of female 20 years old with chief complaint of severe neck pain and delayed limbs weakness. The mechanism of injury was fall with the head hit the ground in left lateral flexion position. The physical examination showed zero motor power of the right limbs and contralateral pain and temperature deficit 1 h after the injury. We diagnosed the patient with incomplete spinal cord injury at C4 level with associated Brown-Sequard syndrome. We gave soft collar neck for immobilization, medication with NSAID for analgetic and Methylprednisolon. We found dramatic improvement in 10 h after the injury with motor improvement from 0 to 5 and normal sensory function. The patient then was discharged with good functional outcome and with no sequelae.

Incomplete cervical spinal cord injury without radiological abnormality that manifested as Brown-Sequard syndrome is a rare case and potentially confusing condition. Better understanding of the course of the disease may help the clinician to make a right diagnosis and plan for management.