Motor outcome and motor recovery mechanisms in pontine infarct: a review

Characteristics of motor recovery mechanisms are known to be linked with motor outcome in stroke. Detailed knowledge of motor outcome and recovery mechanisms in stroke allow for prediction of prognosis and provide the basis for establishment of scientific rehabilitation strategies. Thirteen previous studies with regard to motor outcome (8 studies) and the motor recovery mechanisms (5 studies) in pontine infarct were reviewed. Several motor recovery mechanisms have been reported in pontine infarct: peri-lesional reorganization, and other possible recovery mechanisms (aberrant pyramidal tract, ipsilateral motor pathway, and motor recovery via spared corticospinal tract). Previous studies on motor outcome in pontine infarct have reported generally good outcome. This good motor outcome appears to be related to the characteristics of the motor recovery mechanisms recovered by the lateral corticospinal tract. We think that further studies on motor outcome and recovery mechanisms should be performed for clarification of various motor tracts including non-corticospinal tract, which can affect the motor outcome and recovery mechanisms in pontine infarct. In addition, the effect of rehabilitation on these topics should also be elucidated.