Neuroimaging of recovery of function after stroke: implications for rehabilitation

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in individuals. Many patients have good functional recovery after stroke. The mechanisms of recovery remain largely unknown. Neuroimaging of patients recovering from stroke may provide important insight into the mechanisms of recovery as well as assist in the development of new rehabilitation techniques. The first part of this article reviews previous neuroimaging studies that have monitored the reorganization within the motor and language areas after stroke. In the second section, a unifying theory based on John Hughlings Jackson's "Principles of Compensation" is presented as a possible theory for recovery of function. In the final portion of the article, possible implications and future applications of neuroimaging studies for rehabilitation are presented.