Brown-Sequard syndrome due to isolated blunt trauma.
Blunt trauma without associated fracture or ligamentous injury is a rare cause of Brown-Sequard syndrome. We report a case of Brown-Sequard syndrome after a direct blow to the cervical spine that did not cause injury to adjacent bone or ligaments. Characteristic neurologic findings, including a unilateral hemiparesis with associated contralateral sensory findings, were noted at the time of presentation. High-dose steroids were instituted after recognition of the patient's injury, and magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed a unilateral cord contusion with no associated fractures. After 1 month, the patient had recovered much of his function and was able to ambulate unassisted.
Henderson
S O
SO
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA.
Hoffner
R J
RJ
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018437:Brown-Sequard Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000293:injuries*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D008775:Methylprednisolone