NeuroRehabilitation - Volume 29, issue 1

Authors: Kwak, So Young | Son, Soo Min | Choi, Byung Yeon | Chang, Chul Hoon | Byun, Woo Mok | Kim, Seong Ho | Cho, Yoon Woo | Jang, Sung Ho

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Little is known about prognostic factors associated with motor outcome when the corticospinal tract (CST) was compressed by hematoma. Using diffusion tensor tractography (DTT), we attempted to investigate prognostic factors for motor outcome in patients whose affected CST was compressed by hematoma. The study included 51 consecutive severe hemiparetic patients with a hematoma involving the corona radiata and basal ganglia. Integrities of the affected CSTs were preserved to the cerebral cortex and were found to be compressed by a hematoma on DTT. Patients were classified into four groups according to the region which the CST was originated from the precentral …gyrus (type A), postcentral gyrus (type B), posterior parietal cortex (type C), and premotor cortex (type D). We measured the ratios of DTT parameters between affected/unaffected hemispheres.The motor function of the affected extremities at 6-month after onset was better with the following order: DTT type A, type B, type C, and type D patients. The 6-month motor function for DTT type A patients was higher than that of DTT type D patients (p = 0.008). The fractional anisotropy ratio between the affected and unaffected CST was positively correlated with the 6-month motor function of the affected extremities (Pearson's correlation coefficient, p = 0.025, r = 0.313). We found that motor outcome differed according to the originated area of the affected CST and the degree of injury of the affected CST in patients whose affected CST was compressed by hematoma. Show more

Keywords: Diffusion tensor imaging, corticospinal tract, stroke, motor recovery, prognosis, intracerebral hemorrhage

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2011-0681

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 85-90, 2011

Authors: Keser, Ilke | Meric, Aydin | Kirdi, Nuray | Kurne, Asli | Karabudak, Rana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: We conducted a study that examined the effectiveness of callisthenic exercises in multiple sclerosis. 30 individuals were divided into two groups. The first group did 15~callisthenic exercises and the second group did routine neurorehabilitation programme. Both groups did the programmes for three days per week over six weeks. Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F), muscle strength tests, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), Turkish versions of Short Form of 36 (SF-36), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) were used for evaluation. After physiotherapy programmes VAS-F, muscle strength, BBS scores decreased significantly in both groups. HAD anxiety …score of the first group and HAD depression score of the second group changed significantly. There were no differences in MSFC and SF-36 scores in any groups. The difference between groups was not significant in any parameters, except for the muscle test for upper limbs of the second group. Callisthenic exercises are seen as a new therapy choice, which are different from routine exercises, in order to decrease fatigue, improve balance and muscle strength. Callisthenics are thought to be a beneficial tool for MS patients. Show more

Keywords: Callisthenic exercises, multiple sclerosis (MS), rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2011-0682

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 91-98, 2011

Authors: Laxe, Sara | Zasler, Nathan | Tschiesner, Uta | López-Blazquez, Raquel | Tormos, Jose M. | Bernabeu, Montserrat

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To describe functioning and health of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Methods: A cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted in a neurorehabilitation hospital. Data collection included socio-demographic factors, single interviews based on the extended ICF Checklist 2.1 for TBI, patient ratings on general health and functioning status, WHOQoL, EQ5D and the Comorbidity Questionnaire. Results: 103 patients (81%males) were included in the study. The mean of age was 34 yrs. 24% were inpatients whereas 76% were outpatients. 130 out of 150 categories (87%) of the …extended checklist were relevant in > 10% of patients. Differences in functioning and disability between patients in the shorter versus long term situation were noted to be predominantly in the ICF domains of Activities and Participation as well as in Body Functions . Correlations between EQ5D and ICF-based data collections were all p < 0.01. Conclusions: This study identified the most common problems in patients with TBI receiving Neurorehabilitation services based on the ICF. Results emphasize the need to describe disability and rehabilitation standards from a comprehensive perspective that not only includes Body Functions and Structures but also the ICF domains of Activities and Participation and Environmental factors . Show more

Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, disability, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), multi-centre study

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2011-0683

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 99-110, 2011

Authors: Kim, Han Sun | Park, Jong Won | Bai, Dai Seg | Jeong, Jin Young | Hong, Ji Heon | Son, Su Min | Jang, Sung Ho

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Various neurological problems of the brain are known to occur in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). However, little is known about diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) findings in patients with ESRD. Using DTI, we attempted to investigate DTI findings in patients with ESRD who showed no specific lesions on conventional brain MRI. We recruited 10 consecutive patients with ESRD for whom at least 3 years had passed since the start of peritoneal dialysis and who showed no neurological abnormality on neurologic examination. We excluded 6 patients who showed cerebral infarct (4 patients) and diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy (2 …patients); finally, 4 patients (39.75 ± 9.84 years) were included in this study. We evaluated hand motor function and cognition. DTI data were acquired using a 1.5-T Philips Gyroscan Intera system and diffusion tensor tractographies (DTTs) for five neural tracts (corticospinal tract, fornix, superior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus) were evaluated. With the exception of 1 patient who revealed a mild abnormality at a higher cognitive function, no abnormalities in motor and cognitive function were observed. Among the 10 DTTs, except for those of the corticospinal tract, all 4 patients had more than one lesion. Patients with ESRD showed abnormalities on DTTs that were associated with cognition; however, they did not show significant cognitive abnormalities. Show more

Keywords: End stage renal disease, diffusion tensor imaging, cognition

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2011-0684

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 111-116, 2011