Previous Section
Approaches to Stroke Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of Motor Deficits after Stroke
- Myomo e100 NeuroRobotic System was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2007 for use by stroke patients with partial paralysis of the arm(s). The devise is designed to allow stroke patients to initiate and control movement of partially paralyzed limbs using their own neurological and muscular signals. It is a non-invasive devise (arm/elbow brace with attachments) that helps people relearn how to move affected limbs.
Medication for Stroke Rehabilitation
Drugs may also have a role in motor recovery, including:
- Methylphenidate, a mild central nervous system stimulant, may decrease depression and improve function in the early stages after stroke.
- Dextroamphetamine may improve function 1 year after strokes in a small number of survivors.
- Fluoxetine may help to facilitate motor recovery independent of its effect as an antidepressant.
- Piracetam, a derivative of gamma-amino butyric acid (G-ABA), may facilitate recovery of language function.
- Clonidine, prazosin, neuroleptics and other dopamine receptor antagonists, benzodiazepenes, phenytoin, and phenobarbital actually may impair motor recovery due to reasons not fully understood.
- Dopamine agonists and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been shown in small studies to improve motor function when combined with conventional exercise therapy, however, further investigation is needed to confirm this data.
Researchers are investigating the possibility that some treatments, both physical and medications, may actually interfere with recovery following stroke. For example, there is concern that intense use of the paretic limb may increase neurologic damage since the brain tissue is so vulnerable after a stroke. There is also concern, based on animal studies, that certain drugs may interfere with recovery, although human data is very limited and needs to be investigated.
To read more about treatments being used for motor recovery for the poststroke patient, please click on the following link:
