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Motor recovery beginning 23 years after ischemic stroke
Peter Sörös1,2, Robert Teasell3, Daniel F Hanley4
1Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Neurophysiology
|May 19, 2017
Summary
Stroke recovery can occur decades after the initial event, challenging the traditional 6-month recovery window. Intensive physiotherapy and emerging therapies may benefit patients long after stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- The conventional understanding posits that significant stroke recovery is limited to the first 6 months post-event.
- Therapeutic interventions beyond one year are often considered to have minimal efficacy.
Observation:
- A patient experienced substantial motor recovery in a nonfunctional, spastic left hand 23 years after a severe stroke.
- Recovery initiated after the patient began regular swimming and was followed by intensive physiotherapy.
Findings:
- Functional MRI revealed widespread bilateral activation in the cerebrum and cerebellum correlating with motor recovery.
- The patient regained the ability to perform fine motor tasks, such as picking up coins, with the previously impaired hand.
Implications:
- This case challenges the established timeline for stroke recovery, suggesting prolonged therapeutic potential.
- Findings support reconsidering the window for physiotherapy and exploring novel treatments like stem cell and exosome therapies for late-stage stroke recovery.
