Seventh Cervical Nerve Transfer for Spastic Arm Paresis: a Prospective Analysis of Efficacy in Ischemic Vs. Hemorrhagic Stroke

Spastic limb paresis after stroke is a cause of long-term disability and reduction is quality of life, with loss of hand dexterity being especially prohibitive. In the recovery phase after initial injury, neural reorganization occurs and has been observed in both ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres. Previous studies have identified contralesional (opposite to the side of the injury), in other words, ipsilateral, activation in the recovery of paretic hand function. However, this pathway of recovery is limited due to sparse connections between the ipsilateral hemisphere and the affected arm/hand. By establishing an anatomic connection between the ipsilateral hemisphere and the paretic arm with contralateral nerve transfer, compensatory capacity of the ipsilateral hemisphere is facilitated. This cross neck C7-C7 root transfer is an established procedure for the treatment of brachial plexus injuries and recently, for the treatment of spastic arm paresis in those with cerebral injury.