Explore the vast range of titles available.

Improving muscle mass and intramuscular fat in the mid-thigh increases the muscle strength of the paretic and non-paretic limbs in ambulatory chronic stroke survivors. There is a remarkable decrease in muscle mass and muscle strength and an increase in intramuscular fat in the quadriceps of both limbs of non-ambulatory compared with ambulatory survivors. Therefore, given that paretic lower extremity function does not recover sufficiently in the chronic phase, it may be helpful to improve muscle mass and intramuscular fat to increase muscle strength in the quadriceps of non-ambulatory chronic stroke survivors. However, these relationships remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationships between muscle strength, muscle mass, and intramuscular fat of the quadriceps in non-ambulatory chronic stroke survivors. Study design: A cross-sectional study. Participants: Fifty non-ambulatory chronic stroke survivors. Main outcome measures: Quadriceps muscle strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer. Transverse ultrasound images were acquired using B-mode ultrasound imaging. Muscle mass and intramuscular fat of the quadriceps were assessed based on muscle thickness and echo intensity, respectively. Data analysis: Stepwise multiple regression analyses were used to identify the factors independently associated with the quadriceps muscle strength of the paretic and non-paretic limbs. To avoid multicollinearity, muscle thickness and echo intensity were entered into separate multiple regression models. Muscle thickness or echo intensity of the paretic or non-paretic limbs and other confounding factors were set as the independent variables. Muscle thickness was positively related and echo intensity was negatively related to the quadriceps muscle strength of the paretic and non-paretic limbs. Muscle mass and intramuscular fat of the quadriceps are related to muscle strength in non-ambulatory chronic stroke survivors. Increasing muscle mass and decreasing intramuscular fat of the quadriceps of both limbs may improve muscle strength.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve upper limb hemiparesis after stroke but the mechanism underlying its efficacy remains elusive. rTMS seems to alter brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and such effect is influenced by BDNF gene polymorphism. To investigate the molecular effects of rTMS on serum levels of BDNF, its precursor proBDNF and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in poststroke patients with upper limb hemiparesis. Poststroke patients with upper limb hemiparesis were studied. Sixty-two patients underwent rehabilitation plus rTMS combination therapy and 33 patients underwent rehabilitation monotherapy without rTMS for 14 days at our hospital. One Hz rTMS was applied over the motor representation of the first dorsal interosseous muscle on the non-lesional hemisphere. Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Wolf Motor Function (WMFT) were used to evaluate motor function on the affected upper limb before and after intervention. Blood samples were collected for analysis of BDNF polymorphism and measurement of BDNF, proBDNF and MMP-9 levels. Two-week combination therapy increased BDNF and MMP-9 serum levels, but not serum proBDNF. Serum BDNF and MMP-9 levels did not correlate with motor function improvement, though baseline serum proBDNF levels correlated negatively and significantly with improvement in WMFT (ρ = -0.422, p = 0.002). The outcome of rTMS therapy was not altered by BDNF gene polymorphism. The combination therapy of rehabilitation plus low-frequency rTMS seems to improve motor function in the affected limb, by activating BDNF processing. BDNF and its precursor proBDNF could be potentially suitable biomarkers for poststroke motor recovery.

Cerebral strokes can disrupt descending commands from motor cortical areas to the spinal cord, which can result in permanent motor deficits of the arm and hand. However, below the lesion, the spinal circuits that control movement remain intact and could be targeted by neurotechnologies to restore movement. Here we report results from two participants in a first-in-human study using electrical stimulation of cervical spinal circuits to facilitate arm and hand motor control in chronic post-stroke hemiparesis ( NCT04512690 ). Participants were implanted for 29 d with two linear leads in the dorsolateral epidural space targeting spinal roots C3 to T1 to increase excitation of arm and hand motoneurons. We found that continuous stimulation through selected contacts improved strength (for example, grip force +40% SCS01; +108% SCS02), kinematics (for example, +30% to +40% speed) and functional movements, thereby enabling participants to perform movements that they could not perform without spinal cord stimulation. Both participants retained some of these improvements even without stimulation and no serious adverse events were reported. While we cannot conclusively evaluate safety and efficacy from two participants, our data provide promising, albeit preliminary, evidence that spinal cord stimulation could be an assistive as well as a restorative approach for upper-limb recovery after stroke. Electrical stimulation of cervical spinal circuits facilitates arm and hand movements in two participants with moderate and severe chronic post-stroke hemiparesis.

Tractography has become a widely available tool for the planning of neurosurgical operations as well as for neuroscientific research. The absence of patient interaction makes it easily applicable. However, it leaves uncertainty about the functional relevance of the identified bundles. We retrospectively analyzed the correlation of white matter markers with their clinical function in 24 right-handed patients who underwent first surgery for high-grade glioma. Morphological affection of the corticospinal tract (CST) and grade of paresis were assessed before surgery. Tractography was performed manually with MRTrix3 and automatically with TractSeg. Median and mean fractional anisotropy (FA) from manual tractography showed a significant correlation with CST affection (p = 0.008) and paresis (p = 0.015, p = 0.026). CST affection correlated further most with energy, and surface-volume ratio (p = 0.014) from radiomic analysis. Paresis correlated most with maximum 2D column diameter (p = 0.005), minor axis length (p = 0.006), and kurtosis (p = 0.008) from radiomic analysis. Streamline count yielded no significant correlations. In conclusion, mean or median FA can be used for the assessment of CST integrity in high-grade glioma. Also, several radiomic parameters are suited to describe tract integrity and may be used to quantitatively analyze white matter in the future.

Advances in medical diagnosis and treatment have facilitated the emergence of precision medicine. In contrast, locomotor rehabilitation for individuals with acquired neuromotor injuries remains limited by the dearth of (i) diagnostic approaches that can identify the specific neuromuscular, biomechanical, and clinical deficits underlying impaired locomotion and (ii) evidence-based, targeted treatments. In particular, impaired propulsion by the paretic limb is a major contributor to walking-related disability after stroke; however, few interventions have been able to target deficits in propulsion effectively and in a manner that reduces walking disability. Indeed, the weakness and impaired control that is characteristic of post-stroke hemiparesis leads to heterogeneous deficits that impair paretic propulsion and contribute to a slow, metabolically-expensive, and unstable gait. Current rehabilitation paradigms emphasize the rapid attainment of walking independence, not the restoration of normal propulsion function. Although walking independence is an important goal for stroke survivors, independence achieved via compensatory strategies may prevent the recovery of propulsion needed for the fast, economical, and stable gait that is characteristic of healthy bipedal locomotion. We posit that post-stroke rehabilitation should aim to promote independent walking, in part, through the acquisition of enhanced propulsion. In this expert review, we present the biomechanical and functional consequences of post-stroke propulsion deficits, review advances in our understanding of the nature of post-stroke propulsion impairment, and discuss emerging diagnostic and treatment approaches that have the potential to facilitate new rehabilitation paradigms targeting propulsion restoration.

ICU-acquired paresis (ICUAP) is common in survivors of critical illness. There is significant associated morbidity, including prolonged time on the ventilator and longer hospital stay. However, it is unclear whether ICUAP is independently associated with mortality, as sicker patients are more prone and existing studies have not adjusted for this. To test the hypothesis that ICUAP is independently associated with increased mortality. Secondarily, to determine if handgrip dynamometry is a concise measure of global strength and is independently associated with mortality. A prospective multicenter cohort study was conducted in intensive care units (ICU) of five academic medical centers. Adults requiring at least 5 days of mechanical ventilation without evidence of preexisting neuromuscular disease were followed until awakening and were then examined for strength. We measured global strength and handgrip dynamometry. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality and secondary outcomes were hospital and ICU-free days, ICU readmission, and recurrent respiratory failure. Subjects with ICUAP (average MRC score of < 4) had longer hospital stays and required mechanical ventilation longer. Handgrip strength was lower in subjects with ICUAP and had good test performance for diagnosing ICUAP. After adjustment for severity of illness, ICUAP was independently associated with hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 7.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4-25.3; P = 0.001). Separately, handgrip strength was independently associated with hospital mortality (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.5-13.6; P = 0.007). ICUAP is independently associated with increased hospital mortality. Handgrip strength is also independently associated with poor hospital outcome and may serve as a simple test to identify ICUAP. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00106665).

Please confirm that an ethics committee approval has been applied for or granted: Not relevant (see information at the bottom of this page)Application for ESRA Abstract Prizes: I apply as an Anesthesiologist (Aged 35 years old or less)Background and Aims Cancer pain is most of the times relieved by pharmacological treatment. When pharmacological treatment is not sufficient, interventional pain procedures are considered. Here we present a case complicated by epidural hematoma.Methods58 years old female patient with stage 4 metastatic colon and urethelial carcinoma was referred to our clinic for hip and leg pain. She had multiple bone metastasis. Medical treatment was not enough, so transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) and lumbar sympathectomy was offered. The needle was fluoroscopically aimed for left L2 TFESI through the ‘safe’ triangle. Needle insertion happened to be intravascular with spontaneous return of blood. It was decided not to proceed further with the injection. Other interventions were performed uneventfully.Results12 hours later, the patient experienced left-sided sensorimotor loss. Left lower extremity examination revealed 0/5 motor functions of left hip and knee extension and flexion with hypoesthesia from T10 to L2 dermatome were noted. Sensorimotor function of the right lower extremities were normal. Urgent thoracolumbar MRI revealed left sided epidural hematoma extending from T8 to L2 (figure 1 ). Emergent epidural hematoma decompression surgery was offered, which she declined due to her comorbidities.Abstract #36426 Figure 1Epidural hematoma extending from T8 to L2 level, compressing spinal cord. Sacral metastases can also be seen[Figure omitted. See PDF]ConclusionsAlthough lumbar TFESI was found to be safe, we experienced an epidural hematoma, which we believe was because the ‘safe’ triangle approach was chosen, where blood vessels lie. To our knowledge, our case is the first one to report unilateral paresis following a massive epidural hematoma. We believe, Kambin’s triangle approach may prevent from, a rare but debilitating complication, epidural hematoma.

Routine serum blood tests were performed (table 1).Table 1 Serum blood test results Investigation Result Normal range Finger stick blood glucose (mmol/L) 2.3 4-6 Serum blood glucose (mmol/L) 2.2 4-6 Haemoglobin A1c (mmol/mol) 45 40-42 Creatinine (μmol/L) 97.2 62-106 Urea (mmol/L) 15.4 3.6-18 Sodium (mmol/L) 139 135-148 Potassium (mmol/L) 4.5 3.5-5.3 Questions What are the differential diagnoses of hemiparesis and facial droop? Hypoglycaemic hemiparesis—hypoglycaemia is a common stroke mimic, and the cause in 2% of presentations for hemiparesis.234567 A serum blood glucose concentration <3.0 mmol/L is indicative of severe hypoglycaemia, which, if neglected, results in brain damage, coma, or death.234568 Confusion, dysarthria, and drowsiness might also be present.9 Sulfonylureas stimulate the secretion of insulin, increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia.9Glimepiride metabolites in patients being treated for renal disease take longer to be excreted, which can lead to severe hypoglycaemia that lasts >24 hours.10 How would you manage this patient? Intravenous dextrose infusion is recommended to correct hypoglycaemia.5 Hemiparesis resolves after normalisation of blood glucose levels.5A CT scan of the brain is necessary to rule out transient ischaemic stroke.1 Learning points Hypoglycaemia is a potential reversible cause of focal neurological symptoms Timely recognition of hypoglycaemia is essential to prevent irreversible neurological deficits and avoid unnecessary investigations (brain CT) or treatments (intravenous thrombolysis, aspirin) Stroke mimics include hypoglycaemia, seizures, sepsis, migraine, brain tumours.

Upper-limb paresis is one of the main complications after stroke. It is commonly associated with impaired wrist-extension function. Upper-limb paresis can place a tremendous burden on stroke survivors and their families. A novel soft-actuator device, the Balonikotron, was designed to assist in rehabilitation by utilizing a balloon mechanism to facilitate wrist-extension exercises. This pilot study aimed to observe the functional changes in the paralyzed upper limb and improvements in independent and cognitive functions following a 4-week regimen using the device, which incorporates a multimedia tablet application providing audiovisual feedback. The device features a cardboard construction with a hinge at wrist level and rails that guide hand movement as the balloon inflates, controlled by a microcontroller and a tablet-based application. It operates on the principle of moving the hand at the wrist by pushing the palm upwards through a surface actuated by a balloon. A model was developed to describe the relationship between the force exerted on the hand, the angle on hinge, the pressure within the balloon, and its volume. Experimental validation demonstrated a Pearson correlation of 0.936 between the model’s force predictions and measured forces, supporting its potential for real-time safety monitoring by automatically shutting down when force thresholds are exceeded. A pilot study was conducted with 12 post-stroke patients (six experimental, six control), who participated in a four-week wrist-extension training program. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Fugl–Meyer Assessment for the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), wrist Range of Motion (ROM), and Barthel Index (BI). Statistically significant results were obtained for the Barthel index (p < 0.05) and FMA-UE, indicating that the experimental use of the device significantly improved functional independence and self-care abilities. The results of our pilot study suggest that the Balonikotron device, which uses the principles of mirror therapy, may serve as a valuable adjunct to conventional rehabilitation for post-stroke patients with hemiparetic hands (BI p = 0.009, MMSE p = 0.151, mRS p = 0.640, FMA-UE p = 0.045, MOCA p = 0.187, ROM p = 0.109).

Upper limb training dose after stroke is usually quantified by time and repetitions. This study analyzed upper limb motor training dose in stroke participants (N = 36) using a more comprehensive approach. Participants, classified by initial motor severity (severe/moderate/mild) and recovery trajectory (good/poor), received daily robotic and occupational therapy. Treatment dose was reported using a multidimensional framework. Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) score and robot-derived kinematic parameters (reach distance (cm), velocity (cm/s), accuracy (cm) and smoothness (number of velocity peaks)) were analyzed pre- and post-intervention. FMA scores (mean (SD)) improved significantly post-intervention in severe (+11 (12) pts; p < 0.001) and moderate (+13 (6) pts; p ≤ 0.01) impairment groups. In the severe group, good recoverers showed greater improvement (+18 (12) pts) than poor recoverers (+4 (4) pts). Despite similar robotic therapy duration (34 min/session) and number of movements (600–900/session) between good and poor recoverers, both groups experienced very different therapeutic plans in the use of physical modalities: good recoverers gradually moved from assisted to the unassisted then resisted modality. Kinematic analysis showed distinct patterns of motor improvement across severity levels, ranging from quantitative (reach distance/velocity) to qualitative (accuracy/smoothness) changes. This approach provides a more accurate description of the therapeutic dose by characterizing the movements actually performed and can help personalize rehabilitation strategies.