Brown-Sequard syndrome associated with Horner's syndrome after a penetrating trauma at the cervicomedullary junction

Abstract

Study design: Case report of a 21-year-old man that had concurrence of Brown-Sequard syndrome and Horner's syndrome after a penetrating trauma in the neck.

Objectives: This report analyzes the location of lesions that cause a combination of Horner's and Brown-Sequard syndrome. It is important to know the anatomic structure of spinal cord and the sympathetic nerve chain.

Setting: Spinal Cord Unit, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Instituto Oftalmologico de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.

Methods: Description of a single patient case report.

Results: The clinical findings and MRI showed a good correlation. The Horner's syndrome was confirmed with a 4% cocaine test. The patient received a conservative treatment with high-dose steroid therapy (NASCIS-3).

Conclusion: The patient presented with Brown-Sequard syndrome and Horner's syndrome. Clinical examination and MRI made a quick and correct diagnosis. The patient recovered completely after the conservative treatment.