What is Brown Séquard Syndrome

Brown-Séquard Syndrome is a rare neurological condition that results from damage to one side of the spinal cord. It was first described by the French physiologist Charles-Édouard Brown-Séquard in 1850. The syndrome typically occurs due to trauma, such as a spinal cord injury or tumor.

The main characteristic of Brown-Séquard Syndrome is a distinct pattern of sensory and motor deficits on each side of the body. The side of the body opposite to the injury (contralateral side) experiences a loss of pain and temperature sensation, while the same side as the injury (ipsilateral side) suffers from a loss of proprioception (awareness of body position) and fine touch sensation.

Additionally, weakness or paralysis may occur on the ipsilateral side, along with spasticity (increased muscle tone) and hyperreflexia (exaggerated reflexes). The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the extent and location of the spinal cord damage.

Treatment for Brown-Séquard Syndrome focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms. This may involve surgical intervention, rehabilitation therapies, pain management, and assistive devices to improve mobility and quality of life.