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- Title
Wallerian Degeneration of the Corticofugal Tracts in Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Study Relating Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and Hand Function.
- Authors
Påvel G. Lindberg
- Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study tested the hypothesis that degeneration of the corticofugal tracts (CFTs) is related to poor functional outcome in the upper limb after stroke. Methods. The authors used diffusion tensor imaging to determine the degree of white matter integrity of the CFT (FAAH/UH) in chronic stroke patients and controls. The functional integrity of the corticospinal pathway was examined using transcranial magnetic stimulation. Recruitment curves and silent period duration were measured. The relationship between FAAH/UHand functional outcome of the upper limb was also assessed using a battery of upper limb function tests. RESULTS: In patients, FAAH/UHcorrelated positively with the slope of recruitment curves (RCAH/UH) and grip strength. FAAH/UHalso correlated negatively with the silent period duration (SPAH/UH). According to the FAAH/UH, patients were also classified into groups with minimal or extensive Wallerian degeneration (WD). Patients with more extensive WD had poorer grip strength, dexterity, and range of movement. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' results suggest that structural and functional integrity of the CFT is essential to maintain function of the upper limb after stroke.
- Subjects
PATIENTS; DEGENERATION (Pathology); PATHOLOGY
- Publication
Neurorehabilitation & Neural Repair, 2007, Vol 21, Issue 6, p551
- ISSN
1545-9683
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1177/1545968307301886