Determining the Functional Status of the Corticospinal Tract Within One Week of Stroke

Investigating the structure-function relationship of the corticomotor system early after stroke using machine learning

“…Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to assess MEP status of the paretic upper limb as early as possible after stroke (median = 9 days, range = 4 – 23 days). Details and video of the most up-to-date protocol are available ( Smith et al 2020 ). Magnetic stimuli were delivered using a MagStim 200 (MagStim, United Kingdom) connected to a 70 mm figure-of-eight coil, oriented to induce a posterior-anterior current in the hand and arm area of the ipsilesional primary motor cortex.…”

“…In three studies, if MEPs were not observable at rest, further stimuli were delivered while the patient attempted voluntary activation of both upper limbs in order to facilitate a response ( Stinear et al, 2017a , Stinear et al, 2017b , two unpublished). Patients were categorised as MEP positive if MEPs of any amplitude were consistently observed in any of the target muscles, either at rest or with voluntary activation ( Smith et al 2020 ).…”