Structural-Functional Dissociation in TBI Hemiplegia: Meridian-Sinew Therapy Promotes Motor Recovery Despite...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Integrative Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently causes hemiplegia, impacting motor function.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers alternative therapies, including meridian-sinew therapy, for neurological recovery.
• Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of TCM in TBI rehabilitation is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neuroimaging correlates of motor recovery following meridian-sinew therapy in a TBI patient with hemiplegia.
• To explore the potential structure-function decoupling and compensatory network activation after TCM treatment.
• To provide neuroimaging evidence for the efficacy of meridian-sinew therapy in TBI rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Neuroimaging analysis using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess the corticospinal tract (CST).
• Evaluation of fractional anisotropy (FA) values in the left CST (CST.L) pre- and post-treatment.
• Clinical assessment of motor function and muscle strength recovery.

Main Results:

• The patient achieved full recovery of muscle strength and motor function despite hemiplegia post-TBI.
• Serial DTI revealed persistently reduced FA values in CST.L, indicating structural-functional decoupling.
• Significant motor improvement occurred despite incomplete restoration of CST.L structural integrity.

Conclusions:

• Meridian-sinew therapy may facilitate motor recovery in TBI-induced hemiplegia by activating compensatory neural pathways.
• The findings suggest that TCM can promote functional gains even with persistent structural deficits in the primary motor pathway.
• This study provides neuroimaging evidence supporting meridian-sinew therapy's efficacy and offers insights into its mechanism of action in TBI.