Brown-Sequard Syndrome eMedicine PMR

Description: Brown-Séquard syndrome is defined as an incomplete lesion of the spinal cord characterized by ipsilateral upper motor neuron paralysis and loss of proprioception with contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation. A zone of partial preservation or segmental ipsilateral lower motor neuron weakness and analgesia may be noted. Loss of ipsilateral autonomic function can result in Horner syndrome. As an incomplete spinal cord syndrome, the clinical presentation of Brown-Séquard syndrome may range from mild to severe neurologic deficit.
Synonyms and related keywords: Brown-Séquard syndrome, Brown-Séquard-plus syndrome, hemisection of the spinal cord, hemisection syndrome, partial spinal sensory syndrome
Vandenakker-Albanese & Zhao 2006 Updated 2008