Related Experiment Videos
The good side after stroke: ipsilateral sensory-motor function needs careful assessment
J J Baskett1, H J Marshall, J B Broad
1Section of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Auckland, New Zealand.
Age and Ageing
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Early stroke survivors show a significant sensory-motor deficit on the right ipsilateral side, impacting daily activities. This early deficit mirrors later findings and suggests implications for rehabilitation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Stroke frequently results in motor deficits, but early ipsilateral sensory-motor function remains under-investigated.
- Understanding early post-stroke deficits is crucial for timely and effective rehabilitation interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if a sensory-motor ipsilateral deficit occurs early after stroke (4-6 weeks).
- To compare early ipsilateral motor performance with late recovery and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Twenty subjects were assessed 4-6 weeks post-stroke using timed repetitive movement tests and the Motor Assessment Scale.
- Performance was compared between the right and left ipsilateral limbs, a late-recovery group, and healthy volunteers.
Main Results:
- A significantly worse performance (p < 0.005) was observed on the right ipsilateral side compared to controls.
- No significant deficit was found on the left ipsilateral side.
- Performance did not correlate with the overall motor deficit severity, potentially due to reduced cerebral activation from right hemispheric lesions.
Conclusions:
- An early sensory-motor ipsilateral deficit, particularly on the right side, is present within weeks of a stroke.
- This early deficit is consistent with findings observed much later post-stroke.
- Findings have implications for rehabilitation, education, and practical skills like driving and balance.