Patients who have not regained function after a stroke should not lose hope. Scientists have developed a revolutionary brain stimulation treatment that has been shown to help regain lost function, even years after a stroke.
In a first-of-its-kind human study, 9 out of 12 subjects made remarkable progress in their ability to move and function, they write Science Daily.
The study by Cleveland Clinic scientists targeted a region of the brain called the dentate nucleus, which is responsible for the fine control of voluntary movements, cognition, language and sensory functions, according to a report published in the journal Nature Medicine.
“These results point us to a potential opportunity for much-needed improvements in rehabilitation in the chronic phases of stroke recovery,” said Dr. Andre Machado, chairman of Cleveland Clinic’s Institute of Neurology in a statement.
The study involved a surgical intervention in which electrodes were implanted in the cerebellum. These electrodes were connected to a pacemaker-like device, sending electrical impulses designed to help regain control of movements.
Progress was seen when, after an initial period of physical therapy with the device turned off, it was turned on for several months, resulting in significant improvements in patients.
“The results of the study showed that deep brain stimulation, combined with physical therapy, improved the movements of patients who were more than a year after a stroke,” said Dr. Kenneth Baker, of the Cleveland Lerner Clinical Research Institute. .
2023-08-16 21:04:00
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