Rehabilitation
Revamping the Brain After Stroke
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New technology may help people suffering from paralysis reprogram their brains to improve motor skills, according to researchers at Indiana University in Indianapolis.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging and a "cyberglove" record brain changes during motor activities and allow patients to redirect motor commands. Stroke or traumatic brain injury results in neurons taking over for the damaged ones. But until now, scientists were not sure which neurons compensated for the damaged ones or how the brain cells learned their new jobs.
Researchers had 17 healthy adults wear a synthetic glove with fiber-optic cables on their dominant hand. The glove translated hand movements into signals, which were sent to a computer. Researchers then used fMRI to observe which areas of the brain controlled the participants' hand movements as they aligned a cursor on the computer screen with 50 different targets.
The fMRI technology identified signs that neurons in a specific area of the brain were processing and giving commands to the body.
Researchers explain, "Once we understand which part of the brain network does what, we will be able to tailor physical therapy approaches to an individual's brain deficit. Similarly, we'll be able to work with surgical patients ahead of time, laying the groundwork for re-learning before they undergo surgery on a particular part of the brain."
They conclude, "As we get a better understanding of what areas in the brain are involved in the remapping process, we'll be able to determine the optimal place in the brain to place the electrodes."
SOURCE: Radiological Society of North America's annual meeting in Chicago, Nov. 28-Dec. 3, 2004