Cervical disc herniation producing acute Brown-Sequard syndrome: dynamic changes documented by intraoperative neuromonitoring

Eur Spine J. 2012 Jun;21 Suppl 4(Suppl 4):S418-21. doi: 10.1007/s00586-011-1881-8. Epub 2011 Jun 16.

Abstract

Introduction: Brown-Sequard syndrome is an incomplete spinal cord lesion characterized by ipsilateral loss of motor function and contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensitivity, reflecting a hemi-compression or hemi-section of the spinal cord. Cervical disc herniation is an exceptional cause of this syndrome.

Material and methods: We report a case of cervical disc herniation causing Brown-Sequard syndrome in a patient with an unusually rapid neurological deterioration associated to cervical extension, which was documented by neuromonitoring.

Conclusion: A prompt diagnosis, followed by spinal cord decompression should be warranted. Intraoperative neuromonitoring is a useful tool in preservation of neurologic function in these cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brown-Sequard Syndrome / etiology*
  • Brown-Sequard Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Brown-Sequard Syndrome / surgery
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery
  • Diskectomy
  • Evoked Potentials, Motor / physiology
  • Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory / physiology
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / complications*
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / physiopathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Monitoring, Intraoperative
  • Spinal Fusion
  • Treatment Outcome