Human cortical plasticity: functional recovery with mirror movements

Neurology. 1997 Apr;48(4):1090-3. doi: 10.1212/wnl.48.4.1090.

Abstract

Cortical plasticity of the human brain permits functional recovery after brain injury even in the absence of neuronal recovery. We report the combined evaluation, including electrophysiology and functional magnetic resonance imaging, of the pattern of cortical and cerebellar reorganization, in a patient with mirror movements as a sequel of perinatal unilateral brain injury. Recovery resulted in motor control by the healthy hemisphere using direct ipsilateral corticospinal projections and the contralateral cerebellum.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Electrophysiology
  • Extremities / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Hemiplegia / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Magnetics
  • Movement / physiology*
  • Muscle Spasticity / physiopathology*
  • Neuronal Plasticity*