Motor rECovery witH eArly imagiNg In STroke

Launched by NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · Nov 15, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Motor rECovery witH eArly imagiNg In STroke," is studying how to improve recovery for people who have experienced a stroke, particularly focusing on a common movement problem called flexion synergy, which makes it difficult to use the affected arm and hand. Researchers want to understand how changes in the brain's pathways impact movement recovery over time. Participants will undergo brain imaging and movement assessments at different stages after their stroke—within 96 hours, then at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months—to help identify signs that may predict recovery outcomes.

To be eligible for this study, participants should be between 18 and 85 years old and must have had a stroke that affected their movement but not their ability to speak or see significantly. The study is open to all genders and aims to include individuals who show isolated motor difficulties without other major complications. Participants can expect to have several tests to measure their movement abilities and brain function, which will help researchers gather important information that could lead to better rehabilitation strategies in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Stroke within the middle cerebral artery distribution based on brain MRI done within 48 hours of admission
• • 2. 18 to 85 years old
• • 3. Isolated motor deficits (hemiparesis) without significant aphasia, visual disturbances, or neglect based on the following scores on the NIH Stroke Scale: 1a (level of consciousness) = 0- Alert; keenly responsive. 1b (LOC questions) = 0- Asked month and age; Answers both correctly. 1c (LOC commands) = 0- Asked to open/close eyes, grasp/release hand; Performs both correctly. 2 (Best Gaze) = 0- Horizontal eye movements; Normal. 5 (Motor Arm) = 1, 2, 3, or 4- Arm placed at 90 (sitting) or 45 (supine), Drift, Some effort, No effort against gravity, or No movement. 7 (Limb Ataxia) = 0- Finger-nose-finger or heel-shin test; Absent. 8 (Sensory) = 0 or 1- Pin prick; Normal or Mild-to-moderate sensory loss. 9 (Best Language) = 0 or 1- Describe picture; No or Mild-to-moderate Aphasia. 11 (Extinction and Inattention) = 0 or 1- No abnormality or Inattention to one modality.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Premorbid disability or sensorimotor impairment
• • 2. Comorbidity medically contraindicating the administration of subsequent MRI scanning and motor assessments
• • 3. Pain or hypersensitivity limiting motor assessment
• • 4. Limb edema limiting motor assessment