Fine modulation in network activation during motor execution and motor imagery

Motor imagery, the 'mental rehearsal of motor acts without overt movements', involves either a visual representation (visual imagery, VI) or mental simulation of movement, associated with a kinesthetic feeling (kinetic imagery, KI). Previous brain imaging work suggests that patterns of brain activation differ when comparing execution (E) with either type of imagery but the functional connectivity of the participating networks has not been studied. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and structural equation modeling, this study elucidates the inter-relationships among the relevant areas for each of the three motor behaviors. Our results suggest that networks underlying these behaviors are not identical, despite the extensive overlap between E and KI. Inputs to M1, which are facilitatory during E, have the opposite effect during KI, suggesting a physiological mechanism whereby the system prevents overt movements. Finally, this study highlights the role of the connection of superior parietal lobule to the supplementary motor area in both types of motor imagery.     

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy treatment in paraplegic patients with bladder stones

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury patients are at increased risk of developing urolithiasis and many will require treatment, most commonly with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). METHODS: We examined 20 consecutive spinal cord injury patients (all male) undergoing ESWL for the treatment of bladder stones between April 1992 and May 2000. The mean number of shock waves administered in these 20 patients was 3600 and the shock power was 19 kW/s. All patients were treated without anesthesia. After ESWL, the bladder was irrigated with povidone iodine solution and stone fragments were evacuated through a 22F endoscopic sheath. RESULTS: All patients became stone-free after ESWL. Stone fragments were observed in the urethra of 3 patients, which were removed by urethroscopy. No major complication was observed; however, 5 patients had minor hematuria (which subsided within 24 h) and subfebrile fever (37.2-37.5 degrees C). CONCLUSION: ESWL and transurethral bladder irrigation is a safe, effective and simple modality for the treatment of bladder stones in spinal cord injury patients.     

Effectiveness of the graded motor imagery to improve hand function in patients with distal radius fracture: A randomized controlled trial

Study Design

Single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Vision without proprioception modulates cortico-spinal excitability during hand motor imagery

Several studies have shown a cortico-spinal facilitation during motor imagery. This facilitation effect is weaker when the actual hand posture is incompatible with the imagined movement. To determine whether the source of this interference effect arises from online proprioceptive information, we examined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced motor-evoked potentials during motor imagery in the deafferented subject G.L. The patient and 7 control subjects were asked to close their eyes and imagine joining the tips of the thumb and the little finger while maintaining a hand posture compatible or incompatible with the imagined movement. Contrary to control subjects' performance, G.L.'s results show that the facilitation observed during motor imagery was independent of the hand posture. To examine how vision of the hand interacts with the imagery process, G.L. and control subjects performed the same task with the eyes open. Like control subjects, when G.L. looked at her hand, a greater facilitation was observed when her hand posture was compatible with the imagined movement than when it was incompatible. These results suggest that in the absence of proprioception, vision may facilitate or inhibit motor representations and support the idea that limb position in the brain is organized around multisensory representations.     

Client buy-in: An essential consideration for graded motor imagery in hand therapy

Study DesignThis is a cross-sectional survey research.IntroductionCurrent evidence provides efficacy of graded motor imagery (GMI) in chronic pain conditions but also reveals barriers to its implementation.Purpose of the StudyThe purpose of this study was to describe current utilization of GMI in hand therapy practice.MethodsSurvey tool, informed by literature and Revised Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) was electronically distributed to members of the American Society of Hand Therapists.Results132 therapists completed the survey. 65.2% reported they would always or very likely use GMI in clients with central sensitization, but no relationship between the likelihood of therapists using GMI to score achieved on the NPQ was found. Lack of patient buy-in, was the main barrier cited. “Sell it well” with pain neuroscience education the most cited strategy.DiscussionGMI is frequently used in clients with central sensitization but requires client buy-in.ConclusionsUnderstanding and explaining pain mechanism is essential for implementing GMI.     

运动想象疗法在脑卒中吞咽障碍患者康复护理中的应用

目的观察运动想象疗法在脑卒中吞咽障碍患者康复护理中的作用。方法将206例脑卒中吞咽障碍患者随机分为对照组和观察组各103例。对照组采用基础训练、摄食训练进行吞咽功能康复锻炼,观察组在此基础上增加运动想象疗法。结果干预6周后,观察组吞咽功能显著优于对照组,吸入性肺炎发生率显著低于对照组,鼻饲管拔出率显著高于对照组(均P0.01)。结论运动想象疗法能显著改善脑卒中吞咽障碍患者的吞咽功能,减少并发症发生,使患者尽早摆脱鼻饲,有利于康复。     

硫酸软骨素酶ABC促进大鼠脊髓损伤后神经功能恢复的实验研究

目的 探讨硫酸软骨素酶ABC(ChABC)对神经脊髓损伤后运动功能恢复的影响.方法 SD大鼠72只,雌雄不限,随机分为假手术组、生理盐水对照组和ChABC治疗组,采用Allen法打击大鼠胸10脊髓损伤模型,分别在伤后即刻和随后每天一次连续一周蛛网膜下注射生理盐水和ChABC.HE染色和尼氏染色观察各时间点脊髓损伤组织形态和尼氏体及神经元的变化,采用BBB功能评分和运动诱发电位(MEP)观察大鼠的运动功能恢复情况.结果 大鼠脊髓损伤后1周时BBB评分和对照组无显著差别,在2、4周,治疗组评分结果明显优于对照组(P＜0.05;P＜0.01);MEP在1、4周的N1波潜伏期与对照组差异显著(P＜0.05;P＜0.01).HE和Nissl染色显示治疗组的形态和神经元数量要优于对照组.结论 ChABC能促进大鼠脊髓损伤后神经运动功能恢复,并对脊髓组织损伤具有保护作用.     

想象足背屈训练对脑梗死偏瘫患者下肢功能恢复的影响

目的探讨想象足背屈训练对脑梗死偏瘫患者下肢运动功能恢复的促进作用。方法将58例脑梗死下肢偏瘫患者随机分为干预组(30例)和对照组(28例),两组患者均接受常规康复治疗,干预组在此基础上进行连续5周的想象足背屈训练。结果治疗后干预组患者Brunnstrom分期、FMA和MBI评分显著优于对照组(均P<0.01)。结论想象足背屈训练有效促进患者下肢运动功能的恢复及日常生活活动能力的改善。     

American Spinal Injury Association A (sensory and motor complete) is not different from American Spinal Injury Association B (sensory incomplete,motor complete) in gunshot-related spinal cord injury

Background Context

We receive a large number of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) due to penetrating gunshot wounds (GSW) at our national rehabilitation center. Although many patients are labeled American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) B sensory incomplete because of sensory sparing, especially deep anal pressure, with purported prognostic value, we have not observed a clinical difference from patients labeled ASIA A complete. We hypothesized that sensory sparing, if meaningful, should reduce the occurrence of pressure ulcers.

无骨折脱位型颈髓损伤的核磁共振成像诊断

对２０例无骨折脱位型颈髓损伤的ＭＲＩ检查结果做分析，将无骨折脱位颈髓损伤分为不伴有颈椎疾病组和伴有颈椎疾病组。两组在年龄、致伤原因、ＭＲＩ图像、治疗方法及治疗效果上存在着差异。ＭＲＩ是诊断无骨折型颈髓损伤的一种有效检查手段，并有助于制订外科治疗计划和预后判断。     

慢性脊髓压迫及减压后运动诱发电位及病理学改变

目的探讨脊髓慢性压迫及减压后神经病理学及运动诱发电位(MEP)的变化.方法选用 54只SD大鼠,随机分为对照组,轻、中、重压迫组和减压组.应用磁刺激MEP各组行30 min、6 h和1、2、4周动态观察.用HE染色观察脊髓的组织学变化.结果轻度压迫组MEP潜伏期在损伤后30 min及6 h比术前分别延长0.29倍和0.32倍,至4周恢复,与术前相比,伤后30 min和6 h中度压迫组MEP潜伏期延长0.83倍和0.88倍,重度组延长1.14倍和1.22倍,减压后MEP潜伏期分别缩短了0.21倍和0.23倍.结论轻和中度压迫组的病变是可逆的,而重度压迫导致神经细胞和运动功能的不可逆改变.MEP能反映脊髓受损程度,可作为评价减压效果的客观指标.     

1997 Munro Lecture Presented at the 43rd Annual Conference of the American Paraplegia Society Functional and Neurologic Recovery Following Acute SCI

Abstract

Patient management in the current health care environment requires the provider to make reliable and valid clinical decisions regarding patient care, decisions that are cost effective and will lead to optimal functional improvement. Neurologic examination, according to the Standards for Neurological and Functional Classification of Spinal Injury developed by the American Spinal Injury Association, provides every clinician with simple clinical tools that are highly predictive of functional recovery following a spinal cord injury. The ability to predict motor recovery provides a rational basis to help support the provider’s recommendation for the patient’s goals and care planning, as well as differentiates care that is essential for improving functional outcomes from care that is not.     

Functional Electrical Stimulation in Spinal Cord Injury:: From Theory to Practice

This article outlines steps to practical application of functional electrical stimulation (FES) within activity-based restorative therapy (ABRT). Drawing from current evidence, specific applications of FES intended to help restore function lost to spinal cord injury and associated neurologic disease are discussed. The medical and therapeutic indications, precautions, and contraindications are reviewed to help participants with appropriate patient selection, treatment planning, and assessment. Also included are the physiological implications of FES and alterable parameters, including dosing and timing, for a desired response. Finally, approaches to improve cortical representation and motor learning and to transition emerging movement into functional tasks are reviewed.     

采用预防性甲基强的松龙保护脊髓损伤的最佳时间和剂量

目的 研究预防性使用大剂量甲基强的松龙保护急性脊髓损伤大鼠神经功能的最佳时间和剂量.方法 96只SD大鼠按析因设计随机分为16组,甲基强的松龙的使用剂量分别为:15 mg/kg、30 mg/kg、60 mg/kg、120 mg/kg;使用时间分别在脊髓打击前:0 min、15 min、30 min、60 min.在脊髓损伤后72小时,进行Tarlov评分、Molt斜板功能评分和运动诱发电位检测.结果 在Tarlov评分障碍率上,预防性使用甲基强的松龙30 mg/kg组效果明显;在Molt斜板功能障碍率、运动诱发电位上,预防性使用甲基强的松龙30 mg/kg、60 mg/kg组均有效果,而预防性使用甲基强的松龙的使用时间则影响不大.综合以上指标,在15 min～30 min范围内使用较好.其中,又以提前30 min使用,效果最明显.结论 30 mg/kg、60 mg/kg的甲基强的松龙对脊髓损伤有神经保护作用,但以30 mg/kg效果更明显.在脊髓损伤前15 min～30 min范围内使用甲基强的松龙较好.其中,30 mg/kg体重的甲基强的松龙在脊髓损伤前30 min静脉推注对脊髓损伤大鼠神经功能的预防保护作用更好.     

无骨折、脱位的颈脊髓损伤

通过对176例外伤性颈脊髓损伤中24例无骨折、脱位病例的回顾分析,认为MRI对不伴骨折或脱位的颈髓损伤的诊断是目前较可靠手段。提出这些病例可分为脊髓压迫型和无脊髓压迫型。治疗上前者以前路减压为佳,而脊髓内外联合减压术对阻止后者神经损害的进展有帮助。早期诊断,尽早制动,牵引乃至手术十分必要。     

Transurethral sphincterotomy in quadriplegic patients: Long-term-follow-up

Sphincterotomy was the treatment of choice in spinal cord injured patients with reflex bladder activity and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia after World War II. However, nowadays the conversion of a spastic bladder into a low pressure reservoir by medication or operalively has become a more favourable bladder management. Only in quadriplegic patients who are not able to perform sclf-catheterization, this treatment modality seemed to be an alternative. With twelve o'clock Sphincterotomy, urodynamic parameters of the lower urinary tract can be brought to favourable measures (leak-point, residuals). However, the reoperation rate for the maintenance of these urodynamic results is high (57%). Laser Sphincterotomy seems to be advantageous in this respect, as it reduces the need for resphincterotomy significantly. Additionally, 14% of the patients needed operations, which made condom fixation possible Upper tract could only be preserved if Sphincterotomy is done early enough. Patients who do not empty completely while in the wheelchair are at risk to develop a hydronephrosis. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

颈部脊髓损伤患者神经丝蛋白与ASIA功能分级的关系

【摘要】目的 探讨颈部脊髓损伤患者神经丝蛋白与美国脊髓损伤学会(ASIA)功能分级的关系。方法 选取2016年2月至2019年3月本院收治234例颈部脊髓损伤患者作为本文研究对象,根据颈髓损伤ASIA分级标准,将患者分成五组,即A组(完全性损伤,n=33),B组(不完全性损伤,n=31),C组(不完全性损伤,n=28),D组(不完全性损伤,n=53)和E组(正常,n=89)。比较不同ASIA功能分级患者血清神经丝蛋白水平,并应用Pearson法分析血清神经丝蛋白与ASIA功能分级的相关性。结果 五组患者血清神经丝蛋白水平差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);A组患者血清神经丝蛋白水平明显高于B组、C组、D组和E组,B组患者血清神经丝蛋白水平明显高于C组、D组和E组(P<0.05),C组患者神经丝蛋白水平明显高于D组和E组,且D组患者血清神经丝蛋白水平明显高于E组(P<0.05);血清神经丝蛋白与脊髓损伤ASIA功能分级呈负相关(r=-0.927, P<0.001)。结论 血清神经丝蛋白水平与ASIA功能分级呈负相关,颈部脊髓损伤的严重程度与血清神经丝蛋白水平的提高有关。     

Outcome of the acute abdomen in patients with previous spinal cord injury

Background : Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) have always posed difficulties for the diagnosis of an acute abdomen. The aim of the present study was to define this problem retrospectively at Princess Alexandra Hospital and to assess the results of treatment for these patients. Methods : A retrospective review was conducted of 133 SCI patients admitted with an acute abdomen in the 16 years prior to this analysis at the Spinal Injuries Unit (SIU) of Princess Alexandra Hospital. There were 21 patients who conformed to the study criteria. All the patients had sustained traumatic SCI at or above the level of T11, more than 1 month prior to admission. Results : There were 13 male and eight female patients. The time lapse between SCI and the onset of an acute abdomen ranged from 1.5 months to 27 years. The age range was 26–79 years. The majority of patients had C6 injuries (six patients). There were 18 patients with injury levels above T6 and three patients with injuries below this level. The time taken to diagnose the cause of the acute abdomen ranged between 1 day and 3 months. Investigations were found to be useful in making the diagnoses in 61.9% of cases. There were 14 patients who had surgical interventions. Five patients had surgical complications and there were two deaths in the study. The length of follow up was 1–132 months. The mortality in the study was 9.5%. Conclusion : An aggressive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of the acute abdomen in SCI patients with suspicious symptoms is recommended. A high index of suspicion should be maintained in those patients with pre‐existing SCI who present with abdominal trauma.     

Challenge of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with spinal neuropathy

OBJECTIVE:To assess the technical difficulties, associated complications and stone clearance rates in patients with spinal neuropathy undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with spinal neuropathy underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the two centers studied between October 1995 and January 2002. They were nine patients with traumatic spinal cord injury, 10 patients with spina bifida and 10 with other heterogeneous causes for their spinal neuropathy. The group included 12 men and 17 women, with an average age of 44 years (14-80). Patients' medical records were reviewed retrospectively for data relating to their renal lithiasis. RESULTS: A total of 39 percutaneous nephrolithotomy procedures were undertaken on 32 kidneys. Thirteen procedures were for staghorn calculi. Preoperatively, eight kidneys required nephrostomy and 5 J stent decompression. The average American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was 3, and one patient had percutaneous nephrolithotomy performed under local anaesthetic as the risk of general anaesthetic was felt to be too high. The associated morbidity and mortality in this group is significant. There were two postoperative deaths. Major complications were associated with three procedures, and consisted of seizures, aspiration pneumonia and pressure necrosis. Nine patients experienced minor complications including fever, hypotension and nephrostomy site leakage. Nine patients required intensive therapy unit care postoperatively and the average hospital stay for the group was 13.32 days. Only 18 (62%) patients were rendered stone-free from their initial percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Seven patients required a further procedure for stone clearance: four underwent extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, two ureteroscopy and one nephrectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with spinal neuropathy and renal lithiasis pose a significant operative challenge. Technical difficulties and potential complications should be considered carefully before undertaking percutaneous nephrolithotomy in these patients.