Influence of neurological injury on functional abilities of children with unilateral cerebral palsy, using voxelbased symptom lesion mapping

Details

Supervisors

Bleyenheuft, Yannick ; Dricot, Laurence

Faculty

Faculté des sciences de la motricité

Degree label

Master [60] en kinésithérapie et réadaptation

Abstract

Motor function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) may vary largely depending on their brain lesion location, which has been largely investigated in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) neuroradiology studies. In our study, we analysed the continuous relationship between lesions location on brain MRI images and motor functional abilities in children with UCP, using the voxel-based lesion mapping (VLSM). Twenty children with various lesion types (periventricular leukomalacia, grey matter damage or brain malformation) undertook several functional assessments, measuring motor and sensory function (AHA, stereognosis…) but also measuring their level of activity (COPM, PEDI…). Assessments were accomplished before (baseline scores) and after (improvement scores) the HABIT-ILE intensive neurorehabilitation program. The VLSM approach resulted in different statistical maps. Using the baseline scores, the most important brain areas for the performance of a particular behavioural test were displayed. Using the improvement scores, the most important brain areas for the ability of a child to improve their motor/functional skills and therefore, to progress in a particular behavioural test, were shown. These results give us an overview of the lesion and functional outcome relationship in children with UCP that could be taken into consideration for future individual rehabilitation strategies.