Affiliations: [a] Neurology Department, Hospital de S. Sebastião, R. Dr Cândido de Pinho, 4520-211 Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal | [b] Neurology Department, Hospital Pedro Hispano, ULS – Matosinhos, R. Dr Eduardo Torres, 4460 Matosinhos, Portugal | [c] Neuroradiology Department, SMIC – Serviço Médico de Imagem Computorizada, R. Pedro Hispano n.°881, 4250-367 Porto, Portugal
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Vitor Tedim Cruz, M.D., Neurology Department, Hospital de S. Sebastião, Rua Dr Cândido de Pinho, 4520-211 Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal. Tel.: +351 256 379700; Fax: +351 256 373867; E-mail: vcruz@hospitalfeira.min-saude.pt
Abstract: Objectives:To investigate motor cortex function in upper and lower limb amputees and dysmelic patients using fMRI. Material and methods:Five amputees and two dysmelic patients were examined. Motor and imagery tasks were defined according to each patient limb deficiency. Cortical activation patterns were analysed for each patient and compared between groups, integrating patients clinical data. Results:There is a consistent pattern of cortical reorganization in all amputees: predominance of activation in the ipsilateral motor cortex and extension to premotor and sensory areas of the contralateral cortex. On the contrary, cortical maps of dysmelic patients were similar to those of healthy volunteers, predominantly with activation of contralateral primary motor cortex areas. Conclusions:fMRI discloses specific patterns of cortical reorganization on amputees and dysmelic patients, suggesting influence by prosthesis adaptation or stump use with dexterity. These findings could be further applied in influencing neurorehabilitation and development of prosthetic devices.
