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Brown-Séquard Syndrome Caused by Acute Traumatic Cervical Disc Herniation
Shin-Jae Kim1, Sang-Ho Lee1, Junseok Bae1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Chungdam Wooridul Spine Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Korean Journal of Neurotrauma
|November 14, 2019
Summary
Brown-Séquard syndrome, a rare spinal cord injury, can be caused by cervical disc herniation. Prompt diagnosis and surgery significantly improve outcomes for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Cord Injury
Background:
- Brown-Séquard syndrome (BSS) typically results from trauma or tumors, rarely from acute cervical disc herniation.
- This case highlights a rare presentation of BSS in a young male.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old male presented with acute neck pain and left-sided motor weakness.
- Neurological examination revealed sensory deficits below the right C4 dermatome and a motor grade of 0 in the left arm and leg.
- MRI confirmed a large C3-4 trans-ligamentous herniated disc.
Findings:
- The patient underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
- Post-surgery, motor function in the left arm and leg improved to grade 2, and urinary function normalized.
- Postoperative MRI confirmed complete removal of the herniated disc.
Implications:
- Rapid diagnosis and surgical decompression are crucial for favorable outcomes in BSS caused by cervical disc herniation.
- This case underscores the importance of considering disc herniation in the differential diagnosis of BSS.
- Early intervention can significantly improve neurological recovery and functional restoration.
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