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Abstract Details

Brown-Sequard Syndrome Caused by a Cocaine-Induced Spinal Cord Infarct: A Case Report
General Neurology
P8 - Poster Session 8 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)
6-006

To describe a case of a cocaine-induced spinal cord infarction.

Brown-Sequard Syndrome is a condition caused by unilateral spinal cord injury, presenting with ipsilateral pyramidal weakness and loss of large fiber, including vibratory and proprioceptive sensations, and contralateral loss of pain and temperature. Penetrating injury is the most commonly described cause [1]. Brown-Sequard Syndrome occurring following esophageal sclerotherapy for varices with recent cocaine use has been reported only once in the literature [2], but in that case there were two competing factors which could have independently contributed to the condition. We describe the first case, to our knowledge, of a Brown-Sequard syndrome in which cocaine alone was likely the only external etiologic agent.


Patient chart review, literature (PubMed and Google Scholar) review
We were consulted on a 32-year-old man found to have new onset MRC 2/5 right leg weakness following an episode of loss of consciousness at a bar. Lab work revealed a CPK of 20,000 U/L and cocaine metabolites on urine drug screen which he endorsed using just prior to admission. Initial CT followed by MRI brain were unremarkable. Later, careful sensory examination revealed intact pinprick sensation but absent vibratory and proprioceptive sensation ipsilateral to the leg weakness, and pinprick sensation loss with a hemisensory level at mid-inguinal ligament level, contralaterally. Thoracic cord MRI revealed a T2 hyperintensity at the T6 level  in the right hemicord.
Cocaine abuse may be considered as an etiology for a presentation of Brown-Sequard syndrome, and acute unilateral leg weakness should be investigated with a careful sensory examination.

References:
[1] Snyder, L.A., Tan, L., Gerard, C., Fessler, R. G. (2016) Spinal Cord Trauma, Bradley’s Neurology in Clinical Practice (pp. 881-902)

[2] Mueller D, Gilden D. Brown–Sequard syndrome after Esophageal Sclerotherapy and Crack Cocaine Abuse. J Neurology Apr 2002, 58 (7) 1129; DOI: 10.1212/WNL.58.7.

Authors/Disclosures
Sabeena I. Malik, MD (University of Toledo)
PRESENTER
Dr. Malik has nothing to disclose.
Maher Fakhouri, MD (University Health Center) Dr. Fakhouri has nothing to disclose.