Research Spotlight: Neurological Rehabilitation (Friday)-Session Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The first speaker discussed the use of the UK Functional Assessment Measure (UKFM) plus the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) to identify patients in prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC). The study found that a total UKFM plus FIM score of 35-36 could be used to identify patients in vegetative or minimally conscious states with good sensitivity and specificity. This information could be valuable for monitoring patients in PDOC and analyzing their needs, inputs, and outcomes. <br /><br />The second speaker presented a study on therapeutic intravenous hypoxia (TAIH) for motor recovery after spinal cord injury. The study found that TAIH could be properly blinded and that it improved motor abilities in patients with chronic arm weakness. The results suggest that TAIH could be a viable treatment to enhance upper limb motor recovery after spinal cord injury.<br /> <br />The third speaker discussed the efficacy and safety of incobotulinum toxin injections at shorter intervals for cervical dystonia patients who did not receive the full benefit from standard injection intervals. The study found that shorter intervals of less than 10 weeks were effective and non-inferior to longer intervals of 12-16 weeks. The findings suggest that individualizing treatment intervals based on patient response could optimize clinical care for cervical dystonia patients. <br /><br />The fourth speaker presented on the use of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with rehabilitation for upper limb motor function after ischemic stroke. The study found that VNS combined with rehabilitation resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in arm impairment and function. The findings suggest that VNS could be a promising strategy for enhancing upper limb motor recovery after stroke. <br /><br />The fifth speaker discussed active functional goal achievement with integrated arm spasticity management, including the administration of botulinum toxin. The study found that active function goals, such as grasping and releasing tasks, could be achieved in patients with residual control of voluntary movement. The findings indicate that repeated cycles of botulinum toxin and non-pharmacological physical task practice could improve goal attainment in patients with upper limb spasticity.

Keywords

UK Functional Assessment Measure

Functional Independence Measure

prolonged disorders of consciousness

vegetative state

therapeutic intravenous hypoxia

motor recovery

cervical dystonia

vagus nerve stimulation