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Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Corticospinal Excitability Modulation During Action Observation
Published on: December 31, 2013
Mirror Movements After Stroke Suggest Facilitation From Nonprimary Motor Cortex: A Case Presentation
Antonio Caronni1, Luciana Sciumé2, Valentina Ferpozzi3
1Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura del Policlinico, Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milan, Italy(∗).
Mirror movements (MMs) are rare in the paretic hand after adult stroke. This case study reveals MMs in the nondominant hand, linked to an undiagnosed subcortical stroke and increased spinal excitability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Mirror movements (MMs) are typically absent in the paretic limb following adult stroke.
- Understanding the neurophysiological underpinnings of MMs is crucial for stroke rehabilitation.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old man presented with MMs in his left (nondominant) hand.
- Clinical evaluation revealed diminished left-hand strength and dexterity.
- Neurophysiological testing showed increased spinal excitability and decreased corticospinal excitability.
Findings:
- The patient had MMs and ipsilateral motor responses.
- Imaging confirmed a previously undiagnosed right-subcortical stroke.
- These phenomena may indicate heightened spinal motor neuron excitability due to spared nonprimary motor areas.
Implications:
- MMs in the nondominant hand can be a sign of subcortical stroke.
- This case highlights the potential role of spinal excitability in MMs post-stroke.
- Findings may inform diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies for motor recovery.
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