Brown Sequard Syndrome Resulting from Cervical Disc Herniation Treated by Anterior Foraminotomy

ABSTRACT

The authors describe two cases of Brown-Sequard syndrome associated with cervical disc herniation. In both cases, magnetic resonance images of the cervical spine showed a large paramedian disc herniation at C5-C6 with ipsilateral severe spinal cord compression. Microsurgical removal of the herniated disc via anterior foraminotomy was performed and complete decompression of the spinal cord was achieved. Postoperatively, the neurological symptoms recovered rapidly and both patients experienced a complete remission of their symptoms. Although Brown-Sequard syndrome is rarely associated with degenerative cervical spine disease, cervical disc herniation should be kept in mind and prompt evaluations are mandatory. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first reported case of Brown-Sequard syndrome produced by cervical disc herniation which was treated by anterior foraminotomy.