Spinal decompression sickness presenting as partial brown-sequard syndrome and treated with robotic-assisted body-weight support treadmill training

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the rehabilitation outcome of a case of spinal decompression sickness presenting as partial Brown-Sequard syndrome treated with robotic-assisted body-weight support treadmill training. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. BACKGROUND: Type II decompression sickness patients commonly suffer from myelopathy with gait disturbances necessitating rehabilitation. Robotic-assisted body-weight support treadmill training has been shown to improve the rehabilitation outcome of incomplete spinal cord injury. Its usefulness has not been described in decompression sickness myelopathy. METHODS: Robotic-assisted body-weight support treadmill training was administrated using the Lokomat. Primary outcomes were American Spinal Cord Association scale, Spinal Cord Independence Measurement, Berg Balance Test, and Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury. RESULTS: The patient was admitted 3 weeks after the diving injury, with severe paraparesis and a T11 sensory neurological level, resembling partial Brown-Sequard syndrome. After 3 months of rehabilitation including 18 Lokomat sessions, American Spinal Cord Association score improved from C to D, Spinal Cord Independence Measurement improved from 50 to 90 out of 100. Berg Balance Test improved from 35 to 43 out of 56 and Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury improved from 1 to 15 out of 20. Upon discharge he could walk with one crutch for more than 1 km. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted body-weight support treadmill training for spinal decompression sickness rehabilitation might be beneficial.