The good side after stroke: ipsilateral sensory-motor function needs careful assessment.
Twenty subjects were examined 4-6 weeks after stroke to establish whether a sensory-motor ipsilateral deficit occurs early after stroke. Each underwent a timed test of repetitive side-to-side movement of both the upper and lower limbs ipsilateral to the cerebral infarct, and an assessment of motor disability using the Motor Assessment Scale. Results were compared with a group studied almost a year after their stroke, and with 41 age-matched healthy volunteers. There was a significantly worse performance (p < 0.005) on the right ipsilateral side, but not the left ipsilateral side, compared with normal volunteers, a finding similar to that of a group previously studied about a year after the stroke. There was no relationship between the severity of the motor deficit and performance of the side, possibly owing to reduction in cerebral activation as a result of a right hemispheric lesion. These observations have importance in rehabilitation and education as well as practical skills, including driving a car and maintaining balance.
Baskett
J J
JJ
Section of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Auckland, New Zealand.
Marshall
H J
HJ
Broad
J B
JB
Owen
P H
PH
Green
G
G
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011596:Psychomotor Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation