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Updated: May 24, 2026
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Electroencephalography Network Indices as Biomarkers of Upper Limb Impairment in Chronic Stroke
Published on: July 14, 2023
Entrapment neuropathies in chronic stroke patients
1Department of Neurology, Edirne State Hospital, Edirne, Turkey.
Summary
Severe stroke patients frequently develop entrapment neuropathies, such as median nerve neuropathy and ulnar nerve neuropathy, even in unaffected limbs. These nerve conditions can significantly contribute to long-term stroke-related disability.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally.
- Entrapment neuropathies are a potential source of morbidity following stroke.
- Chronic stage evaluation of these neuropathies post-stroke is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of entrapment neuropathies in patients during the chronic phase after a severe stroke.
- To assess the prevalence of median and ulnar nerve neuropathies in both symptomatic and asymptomatic extremities of stroke survivors.
Main Methods:
- Inclusion of 32 patients with first-ever ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
- Nerve conduction studies performed at least 6 months post-stroke.
- Comparison with 10 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects.
Main Results:
- 37.5% of stroke patients exhibited median nerve neuropathy at the wrist in symptomatic limbs.
- 37.5% of stroke patients showed ulnar nerve neuropathy at the elbow in symptomatic limbs.
- Neuropathies were also observed in asymptomatic limbs (25% median, 18.7% ulnar) and bilaterally, more pronounced on paretic sides.
Conclusions:
- Entrapment neuropathies are a significant cause of morbidity in chronic stroke patients.
- These neuropathies can occur bilaterally, with a higher prevalence on the affected (paretic) side.
- Findings underscore the importance of screening for entrapment neuropathies in stroke rehabilitation.
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