1. Brown sequard syndrome occurs when there is damage to one half (left or right) of the spinal cord (Hemisection of the spinal cord)
2. Causes- Trauma, tumor, ischemia, tuberculosis etc.
3. Affected tracts:
- Corticospinal tract: Responsible for voluntary motor control, affected on the same side (ipsilateral) as the lesion.
- Dorsal columns: Carry proprioceptive and fine touch sensations, affected on the same side (ipsilateral) as the lesion.
- Spinothalamic tract: Carries pain and temperature sensations, affected on the opposite side (contralateral) of the lesion.
4. Symptoms-
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body: Ipsilateral / same side to the lesion
- Loss of proprioceptive sensation: Ipsilateral / same side to the lesion
- Loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side of the body: Contralateral / opposite side to the lesion
|
Contralateral (opposite side) loss |
Ipsilateral (same side) loss |
|
Loss of pain and temperature sensation below the level of the injury. |
1. Motor Function: Loss of motor function (paralysis or paresis) below the level of the injury. 2. Loss of proprioception (sense of body position) and fine touch, vibration |
Mnemonic: PCT
P- Pain
C- Contralateral (opposite side)
T- Temperature