Reorganization of the motor cortex in a patient with congenital hemiparesis and mirror movements

Neurology. 2000 Jul 12;55(1):129-31. doi: 10.1212/wnl.55.1.129.

Abstract

Abnormal branching of corticospinal fibers from the unaffected motor cortex is responsible for mirror movements in patients with congenital hemiparesis, but it is unknown which mechanisms enable these patients to lateralize motor activity. Using multiunit electromyographic analysis and transcranial magnetic stimulation, the authors provide evidence for nonbranched crossed and uncrossed corticospinal projections and intracortical inhibition of the mirror hand. They propose that this remarkable reorganization of the unaffected motor cortex helps these patients to reduce mirror movements.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebral Palsy / pathology
  • Cerebral Palsy / physiopathology*
  • Electromyography
  • Evoked Potentials, Motor / physiology
  • Functional Laterality / physiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetics
  • Male
  • Motor Cortex / pathology
  • Motor Cortex / physiology*
  • Movement / physiology*
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Paresis / congenital*
  • Paresis / pathology
  • Paresis / physiopathology*
  • Pyramidal Tracts / pathology
  • Pyramidal Tracts / physiology