Changes in cortical activation patterns accompanying somatosensory recovery in a stroke patient: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Abstract

The somatosensory system plays a crucial role in executing precise movements by providing sensory feedback (Farrer et al., 2003; Rabin and Gordon, 2004). Somatosensory dysfunction is a common problem following stroke. In particular, somatosensory impairments, such as impairment in touch, proprioception, light touch, and vibration have been frequently observed (Carey et al., 1993; Sullivan and Hedman, 2008; Tyson et al., 2008). Patients with somatosensory dysfunction show negative effects on motor control, and it sometimes becomes difficult to perform daily activities independently. In addition, these patients require more time to recover functions compared with those without somatosensory deficits (Doyle et al., 2010; Sommerfeld and von Arbin, 2004; Sullivan and Hedman, 2008). Therefore, a better understanding of the recovery mechanism underlying somatosensory dysfunction is necessary for a successful neurorehabilitation outcome.