Gaps, Controversies, and Proposed Roadmap for Research in Poststroke Movement Disorders

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Movement Disorders

Background:

• Poststroke movement disorders (PSMDs) are frequent secondary movement disorders following a stroke.
• Existing research has explored the clinical spectrum and phenomenology of PSMDs, but significant knowledge gaps remain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current evidence on PSMD phenomenology, pathophysiology, neuroimaging, and treatment.
• To identify and highlight existing knowledge gaps, controversies, and diagnostic challenges.
• To propose a research roadmap for addressing these gaps and resolving controversies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and evidence synthesis on PSMDs.
• Analysis of associations between stroke localization and PSMD phenomenology.
• Identification of areas requiring further investigation.

Main Results:

• The association between stroke localization and PSMD phenomenology is less than 30%.
• Clinical definitions, stroke symptom latencies, and biomarkers for PSMD vulnerability are lacking.
• Long-term prognosis and treatment responses for PSMDs are highly variable.

Conclusions:

• Further research is essential for clarifying PSMD phenomenology, classification, diagnostic criteria, and pathophysiology.
• There is an urgent need for evidence-based treatment guidelines for managing PSMDs.
• Addressing these research gaps will improve the diagnosis and management of patients with PSMDs.