Back to Search Start Over

Changes in cortical motor outputs after a motor relapse of multiple sclerosis

Authors :
Laura Straffi
E. Coppi
Giancarlo Comi
Raffaella Chieffo
Letizia Leocani
Lucia Moiola
Vittorio Martinelli
Alberto Inuggi
Chieffo, Raffaella
Straffi, Laura
Inuggi, Alberto
Coppi, Elisabetta
Moiola, Lucia
Martinelli, Vittorio
Comi, Giancarlo
Leocani, Letizia
Source :
Multiple Sclerosis Journal-Experimental, Translational and Clinical
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

Background Motor recovery following a multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse depends on mechanisms of tissue repair but also on the capacity of the central nervous system for compensating of permanent damage. Objectives We aimed to investigate changes in corticospinal plasticity and interhemispheric connections after a relapse of MS using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Methods Twenty healthy and 13 relapsing–remitting MS subjects with a first motor relapse were included. TMS mapping and ipsilateral silent period (iSP) were performed after relapse and at 6-month follow-up. Results Strength and dexterity of the paretic hand were impaired at baseline and improved over time. After relapse, mapamplitude and mapdensity were decreased for the ipsilesional-corticospinal tract (IL-CST) while expanded for the contralesional-CST (CL-CST). At follow-up, map parameters normalized for the CL-CST independently from recovery while the increase of outputs from the IL-CST was associated with straight and dexterity improvement. iSP measurements were impaired in MS irrespective of the phase of the disease. Prolonged iSPduration at baseline was associated with less dexterity recovery. Conclusions After a motor relapse, TMS mapping shows acute changes in corticospinal excitability and rearrangements of motor outputs. iSP is less influenced by the phase of disease but may better predict recovery, possibly reflecting the integrity of interhemispheric motor networks.

Details

ISSN :
20552173
Volume :
5
Issue :
3
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Multiple sclerosis journal - experimental, translational and clinical
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....96e459b1699398df18301e43d920a5be