Brown Sequard Syndrome can have a wide variety of reactions. If you are wondering what the symptoms of Brown-Sequard Syndrome are, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss the disorder’s symptoms, how to diagnose it, and if you are eligible to participate in clinical trials. You’ll also learn how to get the most out of clinical trials.
Symptoms Of Brown Sequard Syndrome
Symptoms of Brown-Séquard syndrome can range from loss of bladder control to motor paralysis. It is often caused by hemisection of the spinal cord. This disease restricts motor function on one side of the body. It can cause a range of symptoms that are difficult to deal with. While there is no cure for Brown-Sequard syndrome, several treatments are available. To learn more, read on.
The Brown-Sequard syndrome treatment is based on the underlying cause and focuses on preventing any further complications. If the condition diagnoses in its early stages, high-dose steroids and decompression surgery can use to reduce the symptoms. If the traumatic injury caused the spine lesions, other treatments might need. Other treatments such as physical, recreational, and occupational therapy are important to maintain mental stability and improve quality of life.
Treatment
The prognosis for patients with Brown-Sequard Syndrome is poor. However, there are a few exceptions to this generalization. Those with blunt spinal cord injuries, for example, have a good prognosis. Those with a severe disorder, such as herniated disc or spinal cord cyst, may show a partial or complete recovery of motor function, even with incomplete paralysis. It can achieve a good prognosis if treatment initiates early. Also, Brown-Sequard Syndrome physical therapy treatment is very important.
While the primary objective of Brown-Sequard syndrome treatment is to limit the severity of symptoms, patients with this disorder must also consider their ability to recover independently. Treatment methods may involve nonsurgical therapy or surgery. Also, nonoperative therapy, which emphasizes reducing dependence on devices for daily living, may be appropriate for some patients. In such a case, a multidisciplinary approach that includes spinal cord injury physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, and physical therapists can determine the best course of treatment. It may also fit patients with this syndrome with specific devices to improve their quality of life and independence. Examples of such devices include wheelchairs, limb supports, hand splits, and cervical collars. For those who have sustained a fracture of the neck or thoracolumbar region, spinal orthoses can insert into the spinal canal.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Brown-Sequard syndrome is based on the history and physical examination of the patient. Laboratory studies are not required for a positive diagnosis of the syndrome but may aid in monitoring the patient’s progress over time. Laboratory tests may include the analysis of purified protein derivatives and sputum for infectious etiologies. Chest x-rays and MRIs may indicate neoplastic causes.
The most common cause of Brown-Sequard syndrome is a traumatic injury to the spinal cord. However, it is possible to have the disorder due to a variety of non-traumatic reasons, including vertebral disc herniation, cervical spondylosis, tumors, multiple sclerosis, radiation, and decompression sickness. Other vascular causes include hemorrhage. Infectious causes include tuberculosis, meningitis, and transverse myelitis.
Clinical Trial Eligibility
Clinical trials are crucial for those with rare diseases. For example, Brown-Sequard syndrome can result from a hemisection of the spinal cord or an interruption of the nerve tracts in one-half of the spinal cord. Patients with this syndrome typically suffer weakness on one side of their body and lack sensation and proprioception on the opposite side. Other possible causes of the syndrome include trauma, ischemia, and infections or inflammatory diseases.
For the veteran to qualify for a clinical trial, the patient must have an underlying medical diagnosis of BSS. A medical examination is important to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. The VA examiner must also rule whether the veteran is eligible for the trial. If the veteran has a diagnosis of Brown-Sequard syndrome, the VA may agree to the clinical trial. However, if the veteran is unable to qualify, he must prove his service connection by presenting an adequate medical history and undergoing tests and assessments.
