Posted in NEWS, NEWS on nervous system implants

Cerebellar deep brain stimulation for chronic post-stroke motor rehabilitation: a phase I trial

14 August 2023

Upper-extremity impairment after stroke remains a major therapeutic challenge and a target of neuromodulation treatment efforts. In this open-label, non-randomized phase I trial, we applied deep brain stimulation to the cerebellar dentate nucleus combined with renewed physical rehabilitation to promote functional reorganization of ipsilesional cortex in 12 individuals with persistent (1–3 years), moderate-to-severe upper-extremity impairment.
No serious perioperative or stimulation-related adverse events were encountered, with participants demonstrating a seven-point median improvement on the Upper-Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment. All individuals who enrolled with partial preservation of distal motor function exceeded minimal clinically important difference regardless of time since stroke, with a median improvement of 15 Upper-Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment points. These robust functional gains were directly correlated with cortical reorganization evidenced by increased ipsilesional metabolism. Our findings support the safety and feasibility of deep brain stimulation to the cerebellar dentate nucleus as a promising tool for modulation of late-stage neuroplasticity for functional recovery and the need for larger clinical trials.
Author(s)	Source
Baker KB, Plow EB, Nagel S et al.	nature medicine, 14 Aug 2023
This is a post of a scientific or business information. The information given here is checked thoroughly by “Implant-Register”. However we can´t be responsible for the content. The content usually is shortened to make it understandable for many. Read the linked original text if you are interested. Contact the publisher, if you have questions. You may inform us about changes of the information to improve the Register.
Comments: n/a let us know