Overview
Upper-extremity impairment after stroke remains a major therapeutic challenge and a target of neuromodulation treatment efforts.In this open-label, randomized phase I trial, we applied deep brain stimulation to the cerebellar dentate nucleus combined with bilateral or unilateral stimulation. We hypothesized that bilateral stimulation was superior to unilateral stimulation as the motor rehabilitation after stroke benefits from both side of cerebellum.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Eligible individuals suffered a first-time, unilateral, ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory that spared the diencephalon and basal ganglia 12-36 months before surgery.
- Individuals with persistent moderate-to-severe upper-extremity hemiparesis as defined by an FM-UE score of ≤42
- Sufficient upper-extremity motor ability to engage in rehabilitation (that is, a score of ≥1 on the FM-UE elbow flexion, elbow extension or finger mass flexion or extension).
Exclusion Criteria:
- Excessive spasticity or contracture of the upper-extremity muscles (that is, Modified Ashworth Scale = 4)
- Severe cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination < 24)