National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Brown-Sequard syndrome


Other Names:
Hemispinal cord syndrome; Hemicord syndrome; Hemiparaplegic syndrome
Categories:
Brown-Sequard syndrome is a rare neurological condition that results from an injury or damage to one side of the spinal cord. This condition results in weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (hemiparaplegia) and a loss of sensation on the opposite side (hemianesthesia).[1][2] Brown-Sequard syndrome most commonly occurs in the the thoracic spine (upper and middle back).[3] There are several causes of Brown-Sequard syndrome, including: a spinal cord tumor, trauma (such as a puncture wound to the neck or back), infectious or inflammatory diseases (tuberculosis or multiple sclerosis), and disk herniation.[2][3] Treatment for this condition varies depending on the underlying cause.[1]
Last updated: 2/1/2017
Treatment for individuals with Brown-Sequard syndrome focuses mainly on the underlying cause of the disorder. Early treatment with high-dose steroids may be beneficial in many cases.[1] Physical, occupational and recreational therapy are important aspects of patient rehabilitation.[2] Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive.[1]
 
More detailed information regarding treatment for Brown-Sequard syndrome can be accessed through Medscape Reference. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
Last updated: 2/1/2017

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Brown-Sequard syndrome. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Brown-Sequard syndrome. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Brown-Sequard Syndrome Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Brown-Sequard-Syndrome-Information-Page. Accessed 2/1/2017.
  2. Vandenakker-Albanese C, Zhao H. Brown-Sequard Syndrome. Medscape. August 16, 2016; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/321652-overview.
  3. Johnson S, Jones M, Zumsteg J. Brown-Séquard syndrome without vascular injury associated with Horner's syndrome after a stab injury to the neck. J Spinal Cord Med. January 2016; 39(1):111-114. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4725780/.