Cervical disc herniation producing acute Brown-Sequard syndrome: dynamic changes documented by intraoperative neuromonitoring.

Abstract

Brown-Sequard syndrome is an incomplete spinal cord lesion characterized by ipsilateral loss of motor function and contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensitivity, reflecting a hemi-compression or hemi-section of the spinal cord. Cervical disc herniation is an exceptional cause of this syndrome. We report a case of cervical disc herniation causing Brown-Sequard syndrome in a patient with an unusually rapid neurological deterioration associated to cervical extension, which was documented by neuromonitoring. A prompt diagnosis, followed by spinal cord decompression should be warranted. Intraoperative neuromonitoring is a useful tool in preservation of neurologic function in these cases.