Interesting work here by my colleague Stephen J. Page.
It seems like in "no-brainer." The more brain destroyed by the stroke, the greater the disability. Right? Except that when it comes to arm and hand movement, that may not be true.
"Historically, lesion size been thought to influence recovery, but we didn't find that to be the case when looking at regaining arm and hand movement," Steve put it.
There is no way to stare at your brain scan and A.) know what the deficit is gonna be B.) know how profound any deficit will be C.) predict recovery.
(Find the published article here)
One other note: I've always disliked the term "massive stroke." Most doctors, and therefore survivors, claim that any stroke is a massive stroke. I've heard the claim that the word massive means "likely fatal." But if that is true then it has nothing to do with the mass (size) of the infarct. Thus, the word massive is meaningless. It is a superlative to add when the word "stroke" is somehow not enough.
"Historically, lesion size been thought to influence recovery, but we didn't find that to be the case when looking at regaining arm and hand movement," Steve put it.
There is no way to stare at your brain scan and A.) know what the deficit is gonna be B.) know how profound any deficit will be C.) predict recovery.
(Find the published article here)
One other note: I've always disliked the term "massive stroke." Most doctors, and therefore survivors, claim that any stroke is a massive stroke. I've heard the claim that the word massive means "likely fatal." But if that is true then it has nothing to do with the mass (size) of the infarct. Thus, the word massive is meaningless. It is a superlative to add when the word "stroke" is somehow not enough.
3 comments:
It is not the size that matters but the location of the damage. Some damage can lead to other neurological diseases that slow down recovery( i.e. dystonia,stiff person syndrome and other syndromes.)
Size and location are both key in my opinion...and dependent on one another. A large stoke in the frontal area will probably result in less severe outcomes than the same size in the brainstem. And if ur very young and otherwise healthy, ur chance of recovery is better no matter what. There are so many factors involved....that's why it's so complicated. I also find that a lot of the "brain mapping" is a useless waste. Every brain is different with some similarities in defined areas. The key is rewiring ur brain with repetitive activities and intensity and focus...like u always say. All the other factors play into this basic principle.
Have a look at the abstract. The location is a predictor is a bit shaky as well. An infarct in one area will effect diffuse areas.
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