The purpose of this study is to evaluate the limb functional improvement after contralateral C7 root transfer in stroke patients.
Spastic limb paresis after stroke is a cause of long-term disability and reduction is quality of life, with loss of hand dexterity being especially prohibitive. In the recovery phase after initial injury, neural reorganization occurs and has been observed in both ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres. Previous studies have identified contralesional (opposite to the side of the injury), in other words, ipsilateral, activation in the recovery of paretic hand function. However, this pathway of recovery is limited due to sparse connections between the ipsilateral hemisphere and the affected arm/hand. By establishing an anatomic connection between the ipsilateral hemisphere and the paretic arm with contralateral nerve transfer, compensatory capacity of the ipsilateral hemisphere is facilitated. This cross neck C7-C7 root transfer is an established procedure for the treatment of brachial plexus injuries and recently, for the treatment of spastic arm paresis in those with cerebral injury.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
95
Performing surgery to transfer the C7 nerve to treat stroke patients experiencing spastic hemiparesis.
Dartmouth-Health
Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States
RECRUITINGChange from baseline in arm function, as measured by the Fugl-Meyer upper-extremity scale.
The Fugl-Meyer is a widely used and highly recommended stroke-specific, performance-based measure of impairment with 5 domains and a possible 226 points.
Time frame: 12 months with visits at baseline and months 2, 4, 8, and 12 months after surgery.
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