Article

We describe here 2 stroke patients who showed activation of the
contra-lesional somatosensory cortex without activation of the ipsi-lesional
somatosensory cortex during proprioceptive input on the affected hand. CASE
DESCRIPTION: One patient with intracerebral haemorrhage (a 52-year-old man), 1
patient with middle cerebral artery infarct (a 54-year-old man), and 8 control
subjects were recruited. The subscale for kinaesthetic sensation (full mark: 24)
of the Nottingham Sensory Assessment improved from 2 points (patient 1 and 2;
onset) to 8 points (patient 1) and 12 points (patient 2) at 6 months after onset.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging was conducted at 6 months after onset using
a 1.5-T Philips MR scanner. Passive movements were performed at the
metacarpophalangeal joint. RESULTS: On functional magnetic resonance imaging the
contra--lesional (left) primary somatosensory cortex and posterior parietal
cortex were activated during passive movements of either hand, which was not
observed in control subjects. CONCLUSION: The activation of only the
contra-lesional somatosensory cortex during passive hand movements in these
patients suggests the involvement of this area in somatosensory processing for
passive movements after stroke. This area appeared to contribute to recovery of
proprioceptive function of the affected hands after stroke.

Langue : ANGLAIS