P-2-01-41
PLASTICITY OF THE BRAIN AND RECOVERY FROM A HEMIPARESIS IN PATIENTS WITH A CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT
Natsue Shimizu, Megumi Nakayama,Asako Mihori,Takahiko Yamano (Teikyo University, Ichihara, Japan)
Purpose: Recent reports suggest the presence of plasticity of the central nervous system, even in the adult. We investigated a neurophysiological evidence of plasticity of the brain and the effect of plasticity on recovery from hemiparesis in patients with a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).
Methods: Seventeen patients with hemiparesis due to a recent episode of CVA, performed voluntary flexion of the index finger. Scalp potentials were recorded according to the international 10-20 system and averaged. The amplitude of the readiness potential (RP) preceding finger movements were determined and compared between the right and left side. The degree of motor weakness of the hemiparesis were evaluated at the time of the EEG recording and 6 months after the onset of the hemiparesis.
Results: 1. The maximum amplitude of the RP of normal finger movements was larger on the contralateral hemisphere to the finger than that on the ipsilateral in eleven of 17 patients. 2. The maximum amplitude of the RP of paralyzed finger movements was larger on the ipsilateral hemisphere than that on the contralateral in five of 17 patients. 3. The activation of RP on the ipsilateral hemisphere to a paralyzed finger did not affect the degree of recovery of a hemiparesis.
Conclusions: 1. The RP of the patients with a recent CVA showed a neurophysiological evidence of plasticity of the brain. 2. The degree of recovery of a hemiparesis was not affected by the presence of an ipsilateral activation of the sensorymotor area of the brain.
P-2-02-01
INDIVIDUAL REHABILITION PROGRAM FOR PATIENTS WHO HAD A CRANIO-CEREBRAL TRAUMA
V.B.Smytchek (BRIWCD, Minsk, Republic of Belarus)
Aim: To elaborate an individual rehabilitation program, encompassing medical, vocational, and social aspects, for the sick and disabled who had a cranio-cerebral trauma.
Methods: Rehabilitation of the patients with cranio-cerebral trauma through assigning strictly individual rehabilitation programs.
Results: Out of 80 persons examined, as a result of a correctly selected and carried out individual rehabilitation program, 44 patients (55.0%) were recognized professionally suitable, 19 individuals (23.8%) returned to the previous job with some limitations, and only 17 patients (21.2%) were identified professionally unsuitable.
Conclusion: An individual rehabilitation program helps considerably reduce primary disability.
