Brown Séquard Syndrome synonyms
What other names are the Brown Séquard Syndrome known by? Synonyms and other terms with which Brown Séquard Syndrome is known.
Brown-Séquard Syndrome, also known as Brown-Séquard's syndrome or hemiparaplegic syndrome, is a rare neurological condition characterized by a specific pattern of symptoms resulting from damage to one side of the spinal cord. It was first described by the French physician Charles-Édouard Brown-Séquard in 1850.
The syndrome typically occurs as a result of spinal cord injury, such as trauma, tumor, or infection. The most common cause is a penetrating injury, such as a gunshot or stab wound, that affects one side of the spinal cord while sparing the other side.
The key features of Brown-Séquard Syndrome include:
- Motor deficits: Paralysis or weakness on the same side as the injury, known as ipsilateral hemiplegia. This occurs due to damage to the corticospinal tract, which carries motor signals from the brain to the muscles.
- Sensory deficits: Loss of sensation to pain, temperature, and touch on the opposite side of the injury, known as contralateral hemianesthesia. This is caused by damage to the spinothalamic tract, which transmits sensory information to the brain.
- Proprioception and vibration sense: Impaired or absent proprioception (awareness of body position) and vibration sense on the same side as the injury. This is due to damage to the dorsal column-medial lemniscus pathway, which carries these sensory signals.
- Autonomic dysfunction: Some individuals with Brown-Séquard Syndrome may experience disturbances in autonomic functions, such as abnormal sweating or blood pressure regulation.
The prognosis for individuals with Brown-Séquard Syndrome varies depending on the underlying cause and extent of the spinal cord injury. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause, managing symptoms, and providing rehabilitation to maximize functional recovery.
In conclusion, Brown-Séquard Syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by a distinct set of symptoms resulting from damage to one side of the spinal cord. It is important for healthcare professionals to recognize and diagnose this syndrome to provide appropriate management and support for affected individuals.
