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

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.