Evidence for a Window of Enhanced Plasticity in the Human Motor Cortex Following Ischemic Stroke.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In preclinical models, behavioral training early after stroke produces larger gains compared with delayed training. The effects are thought to be mediated by increased and widespread reorganization of synaptic connections in the brain. It is viewed as a period of spontaneous biological recovery during which synaptic plasticity is increased.

Objective

To look for evidence of a similar change in synaptic plasticity in the human brain in the weeks and months after ischemic stroke.

Methods

We used continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to activate synapses repeatedly in the motor cortex. This initiates early stages of synaptic plasticity that temporarily reduces cortical excitability and motor-evoked potential amplitude. Thus, the greater the effect of cTBS

SUBMITTER: Hordacre B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7610679 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature