Relationship between somatosensory function and the spinothalamocortical pathway in chronic stroke patients

Somatosens Mot Res. 2013 Dec;30(4):197-200. doi: 10.3109/08990220.2013.790808. Epub 2013 May 22.

Abstract

Diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) allows for identification and evaluation of the spinothalamic tract and its thalamocortical pathway (STP). We attempted to investigate the relationship between tactile sensation and the STP in chronic stroke patients. We measured fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and tract volume of the STP. The tactile sensation score of the affected side in patients with preserved STP integrity was higher compared with that of patients with an interrupted STP. The remaining volume and integrity of the STP in the affected hemisphere were important factors for tactile sensation of the affected side in chronic patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anisotropy
  • Chronic Disease
  • Diffusion Tensor Imaging
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Physical Stimulation
  • Pyramidal Tracts / pathology*
  • Spinothalamic Tracts / pathology*
  • Stroke / pathology*
  • Touch / physiology*