Traumatic Cervical Disc Herniation Manifesting as Brown-Sequard Syndrome: A Case Report

Abstract

Brown-Sequard syndrome (BSS) is an uncommon condition caused by a localized injury to one side of the spinal cord. It is rarely reported to present because of cervical disc herniation (CDH), especially as a result of 2 consecutive discs prolapse, with only 8 cases reported worldwide, 4 of which have the cervical disc levels of C5-C6, C6-C7 being affected just like the case we are presenting. A 45 years male had complained of left-sided body pain and numbness following a fall, his symptoms progressing over two weeks to left side hemiparesis and impaired sensation; MRI of C spine revealed C5-C6, C6- C7 disc prolapse with cord compression resulting in BSS. The patient was treated surgically by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) followed by physiotherapy. The patient showed complete recovery in terms of sensory and motor deficits in both the right and left upper and lower limbs. We are stressing the role of detailed history, comprehensive neurological examination, and proper imaging in the early diagnosis of BSS. Treatment with anterior surgical intervention is the recommended approach in most reported cases and is associated with an excellent prognosis.