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Journal of Neurology

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01-05-2018 | Original Communication

Cortico-spinal excitability and hand motor recovery in stroke: a longitudinal study

Authors: Jitka Veldema, Kathrin Bösl, Dennis Alexander Nowak

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 5/2018

Abstract

Objective

To describe the relationship between changes of cortico-spinal excitability and motor recovery of the affected hand after stroke.

Methods

Eighteen hemiparetic stroke patients with a severe-to-mild upper limb motor impairment were randomized. Cortico-spinal excitability measures (resting motor thresholds and motor evoked potentials) obtained from a distal (abductor pollicis brevis) and proximal (biceps brachii) upper limb muscle were assessed for both hemispheres. Motor function of the affected hand was tested by the Wolf Motor Function and Action Research Arm tests. The evaluations were performed at baseline and weekly over 7 weeks of in-patient neurological rehabilitation.

Results

Severe hand dysfunction was associated with a strong suppression of ipsilesional cortico-spinal excitability and a shift of excitability towards the contralesional hemisphere. Mild hand impairment was associated with a shift of cortico-spinal excitability towards the ipsilesional hemisphere. Favorable motor recovery correlated with an increase of ipsilesional cortico-spinal excitability.

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Title: Cortico-spinal excitability and hand motor recovery in stroke: a longitudinal study
Authors: Jitka Veldema
Kathrin Bösl
Dennis Alexander Nowak
Publication date: 01-05-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 5/2018
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-018-8802-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Cortico-spinal excitability and hand motor recovery in stroke: a longitudinal study

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

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