Functional changes in neural networks of the brain in patients with spastic diplegia after translingual neurostimulation

Abstract

Introduction. Rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy is one of the most difficult tasks in modern neurology. One of the promising areas is the combination of physiotherapy with methods of stimulation of various parts of the nervous system, among which functional electrical stimulation of muscles and nerves (FES) is distinguished.Purpose of research. Assessment of changes in the functional connectivity of neural networks in the brain in patients with cerebral palsy before and after translingual neurostimulation using functional MRI at rest.Materials and methods. Analyzed the results of changes in the functional connectivity of neural networks in the brain in 25 patients with cerebral palsy before and after translingual neurostimulation. A clinical examination was carried out with an assessment of complaints, anamnesis and an assessment on neurological scales, followed by standard and functional MRI of the brain at rest.Summary. In children with spastic diplegia, functional changes in neural networks with a predominance of processes of strengthening intra- and interhemispheric connections (p<0,05) were revealed, which correlates with clinical changes in the form of a decrease in spasticity and an improvement in motor skills.