Scientists from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) have restored the ability of a man who suffered a stroke 12 years ago to perform complex movements, such as picking up a pencil from the floor. The research was published in the journal Cerebellum.
Doctors used bilateral transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat a 58-year-old man with post-stroke cerebellar ataxia, a condition that causes problems with motor coordination and balance. It appeared due to damage to the cerebellum as a result of a hemorrhagic stroke 12 years ago. Despite intensive rehabilitation, symptoms such as slow and unsteady walking, balance problems, and urinary incontinence continued for many years.
During the five-day session, the patient underwent transcranial magnetic stimulation, which affected both the right and left hemispheres of the cerebellum. It involves stimulating brain cells with magnetic stimulation and does not require an incision. The patient reported subjective improvement after only two days of stimulation. Visible objective improvements appeared on the fifth day: the patient’s walking speed increased from 0.57 m/s to 0.60 m/s and his balance on the Berg scale increased from 27 points to 38 points.
The patient could stand up from a sitting position without assistance and easily bend over to pick up a pencil from the floor. He also reported that he could stand unaided and without using hand support while showering and shaving, but this was not possible before the treatment.
The authors noted that more research is needed to determine long-term benefits and examine the mechanisms underlying the procedure.
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