Reorganization of the somatosensory cortex after amputation of the index finger.
Cortical reorganization occurs within the primary somatosensory and the primary motor cortex after amputation of the arm or forearm. Here we report on a patient showing cortical reorganization after amputation of his right index finger. Our findings indicate that the neural networks within the area of the amputated finger in the somatosensory cortex (SI) were invaded by neighbouring structures, i.e. of neural cell assemblies that subserve the thumb and middle finger of his right hand.
Weiss
T
T
Institute of Psychology, Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
Miltner
W H
WH
Dillmann
J
J
Meissner
W
W
Huonker
R
R
Nowak
H
H
D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004585:Electrooculography; D005073:Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory / Q000502:physiology; D005385:Fingers / Q000294:innervation*; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology; D010591:Phantom Limb / Q000503:physiopathology; D013003:Somatosensory Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology*