Brown-Séquard's Syndrome Produced by Hemicord Myelitis- A Case Report

Abstract

Brown-Sequard Syndrome is most commonly described in conjunction with a traumatic injury to the spinal cord. Extramedullary spinal neoplasm, cervical disc herniation, spinal epidural hematoma, multiple sclerosis and myelitis are reported as uncommon causes. A 35 years old male patient who presented with history of acute onset pins and needle sensations over left lower limb. Examination revealed fifty percent loss of pin prick and hot and cold sensation on left side of the body below T8 dermatome with sharp midline margin and subtle weakness of right lower limb along with absent abdominal reflexes on right side and extensor plantar on right side. MRI of thoracic cord revealed a T2 hyperintense lesion at T8 level of spinal cord which enhanced with gadolinium contrast suggestive of right hemicord myelitis. Brown-Sequard Syndrome can be caused by idiopathic myelitis. Early manifestations of myelitis may be subtle and should not be confused with functional disorder. Patient must be repetitively examined and followed with other necessary investigative modalities. doi: 10.5214/ans.0972.7531.2008.150105 Competing interests: None. Source of Funding: None Received Date: 17 Nov 2007 Revised Date: 12 Dec 2007 Accepted Date: 015 Jan 2008