Question

Brown-Sequard syndrome is caused by hemisection of the spinal cord. What is the cause of Brown-Sequard syndrome?

1) Hemisection of the spinal cord
2) Complete transection of the spinal cord
3) Compression of the spinal cord
4) Inflammation of the spinal cord

Answer 1

Brown-Sequard syndrome is caused by hemisection of the spinal cord, which occurs when only half of the spinal cord is damaged. This syndrome leads to hemiplegia on the side of the trauma and the loss of various sensory symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Brown-Sequard syndrome is caused by hemisection of the spinal cord. The syndrome occurs when only half of the spinal cord is damaged, typically due to trauma like a motorcycle accident. A full section of the spinal cord would result in paraplegia, while a hemisection leaves the spinal cord tracts intact on one side, leading to hemiplegia on the side of the trauma.

For example, if the left side of the spinal cord is hemisected, the right leg would be paralyzed. The sensory symptoms are more complicated, which can include loss of sensation on the side of the hemisected spinal cord and loss of pain and temperature sensation on the opposite side.