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R8. Motor Recovery After Stroke: Exploring the Science of Neural Growth, Plasticity and Rehabilitation
The "Decade of the Brain" (1990-2000) was a time of critical discovery in neuroscience and brain physiology. Much was learned about the mechanisms of brain ischemia and the brain's response to injury, especially its striking ability to rapidly remodel cortical representation following neural damage. Neuroplasticity was shown to occur in both animal models through direct mapping techniques and in humans with the use of new technology such as functional neural imaging and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Simultaneously, several clinical studies demonstrated the efficacy of rehabilitation interventions for improving function following stroke. Therapeutic techniques such as Constraint-Induced Movement therapy, functional electrical stimulation and treadmill training with partial body weight support now give hope to stroke survivors. However, this is just the beginning. Revolutionary therapies including pharmacology, innovative rehabilitation retraining and neural stem cell implantation show promise for improving the lives of those with stroke-related disability. This symposium brought together neuroscientists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, physiatrists and psychologists to explore the link between brain plasticity and functional recovery following stroke.
The national symposium was held at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago on October 4 and 5, 2001. 126 attended the meeting including 60 physicians, 23 Ph.D. scientists, and 34 allied health professionals and nurses. The following lectures were given:
- Introduction: Richard L. Harvey, M.D.
- Overview of Neuroplasticity: Bryan Kolb, Ph.D.
- Use-dependent Neural Events, Motor Rehabilitation and Recovery of Function: Timothy Schallert, Ph.D.
- Functional MRI and Stroke Rehabilitation: Steven C. Cramer, Ph.D.
- Cellular Therapy in the Treatment of Neuronal Injury: Michael Chopp, Ph.D.
- Neuronal Transplantation for Stroke: Lawrence R. Wechsler, M.D.
- Functional and Structural Plasticity in Motor Cortex: Implications for Stroke Recovery: Randolph J. Nudo, Ph.D.
- Improved Motor Recovery After Stroke and Massive Cortical Reorganization Following Constraint Induced Therapy: Edward Taub, Ph.D.
- Functional Electrical Stimulation: John Chae, M.D.
- Treadmill Training with partial body weight support: Stefan Hesse, M.D.
- Amphetamine and Related Drugs: Larry B. Goldstein, M.D.
- Neural Growth Factors: Seth P. Finkelstein, M.D.