Article

This study explores the relationship between lesion location and volume and upper
limb spasticity after stroke. Ninety-seven stroke patients
(51 with spasticity)
were included in the analysis (age = 67.5 +/- 13.3 years,
57 males). Lesions were
traced from computed tomography and magnetic resonance images and coregistered to
a symmetrical brain template. Lesion overlays from the nonspastic group were
subtracted from the spastic group to determine the regions of the brain more
commonly lesioned in spastic patients. Similar analysis was performed across
groups of participants whose upper limb (elbow or wrist) Modified Ashworth Scale
(MAS) score ranged from 1 (mild) to 4 (severe). Following subtraction analysis
and Fisher's exact test, the putamen was identified as the area most frequently
lesioned in individuals with spasticity. More severe spasticity was associated
with a higher lesion volume. This study establishes the neuroanatomical
correlates of poststroke spasticity and describes the relationship between lesion
characteristics and the severity of spasticity using mixed brain imaging
modalities, including computed tomography imaging, which is more readily
available to clinicians. Understanding the association between lesion location
and volume with the development and severity of spasticity is an important first
step toward predicting the development of spasticity after stroke. Such
information could inform the implementation of intervention strategies during the
recovery process to minimize the extent of impairment.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2015.

Langue : ANGLAIS