Neuromotor Rehabilitation Interventions After Pediatric Stroke: A Focused Review

A Review of Current Perspectives on Motoric Insufficiency Rehabilitation following Pediatric Stroke

Pediatric stroke (PS) is an injury caused by the occlusion or rupture of a blood vessel in the central nervous system (CNS) of children, before or after birth. Hemiparesis is the most common motoric deficit associated with PS in children. Therefore, it is important to emphasize that PS is a significant challenge for rehabilitation, especially since the consequences may also appear during the child's growth and development, reducing functional capacity. The plasticity of the child's CNS is an important predecessor of recovery, but disruption of the neural network, specific to an immature brain, can have harmful and potentially devastating consequences. In this review, we summarize the complexity of the consequences associated with PS and the possibilities and role of modern rehabilitation. An analysis of the current literature reveals that Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy, forced-use therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, functional electrical stimulation and robot-assisted therapy have demonstrated at least partial improvements in motor domains related to hemiparesis or hemiplegia caused by PS, but they are supported with different levels of evidence. Due to the lack of randomized controlled studies, the optimal rehabilitation treatment is still debatable, and therefore, most recommendations are primarily based on expert consensuses, opinions and an insufficient level of evidence.

Pediatric Antiphospholipid Syndrome Presenting as a Massive Stroke: A Case Report

Pediatric strokes are infrequent yet impactful occurrences with distinct challenges due to their unique pathophysiology and diagnostic complexities. Antiphospholipid syndrome, an autoimmune disorder characterized by antiphospholipid antibodies, can lead to prothrombotic states causing vascular occlusions. Here, we present the case of a previously healthy two-year-old girl who presented with sudden right-sided hemiparesis and altered consciousness. Comprehensive assessments and evaluations revealed a diagnosis of a massive left middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome. The patient received intensive care, antiplatelet therapy, and supportive measures. Gradual improvement in neurological status and motor skills was observed during hospitalization, and the patient underwent comprehensive rehabilitation. This case emphasizes the importance of vigilance, thorough diagnostic evaluation, and tailored treatment strategies. Anticoagulation therapy plays a pivotal role, necessitating a delicate balance between thrombosis prevention and bleeding risk. The significance of multidisciplinary approaches and specialized care for pediatric stroke cases is underscored.

Use of Botulinum Toxin for Limb Immobilization for Rehabilitation in Rats with Experimental Stroke

Motor rehabilitation strategies after unilateral stroke suggest that the immobilization of the healthy, unimpaired limb can promote the functional recovery of a paretic limb. In rodents, this has been modeled using casts, harnesses, and other means of restricting the use of the non-paretic forelimb in models of experimental stroke. Here, we evaluated an alternative approach, using botulinum toxin injections to limit the function of the non-paretic forelimb. Adult male rats were subjected to permanent ligation of the left distal middle cerebral artery, resulting in right forelimb paresis. The rats were then subjected to: (1) no treatment; (2) botulinum toxin injections 1 day post stroke; or (3) cast placement 5 days post stroke. Casts were removed after 5 weeks, while the botulinum toxin injection effectively immobilized subjects for approximately the same duration. Rats with bilateral forelimb impairment due to the stroke plus casting or botulinum injections were still able to feed and groom normally. Both immobilization groups showed modest recovery following the stroke compared to those that did not receive immobilization, but the casting approach led to unacceptable levels of animal stress. The botulinum toxin approach to limb immobilization had both advantages and disadvantages over traditional physical limb immobilization. The major advantage was that it was far less stress-inducing to the subject animals and appeared to be well tolerated. A disadvantage was that the paresis took roughly 10 weeks to fully resolve, and any degree of residual paresis could confound the interpretation of the behavioral assessments.