The Role of White Matter Integrity and Neuroplasticity in Stroke Recovery: Insights from DTI and VBM

 Useless. Nothing here tells exactly what to do to get recovered! I'd fire all of you!

The Role of White Matter Integrity and Neuroplasticity in Stroke Recovery: Insights from DTI and VBM

View ORCID Profilerongjun zhang, Zhigang Gong, Wenbing Jiang, Zhaofeng Su

doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.01.07.25320143

This article is a preprint and has not been certified by peer review [what does this mean?]. It reports new medical research that has yet to be evaluated and so should not be used to guide clinical practice.

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Abstract

Background 

 Stroke is a leading cause of disability, significantly affecting the brain’s white and gray matter. Neuroimaging techniques like Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM) offer valuable insights into these structural changes. 

 Methods 

 This study used Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) to evaluate white matter integrity in stroke patients using DTI metrics, including Fractional Anisotropy (FA) and Mean Diffusivity (MD). VBM was employed to assess gray matter volume and cortical thickness. Correlation analyses were performed between imaging metrics and clinical scores, such as the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Brunnstrom scores. 

 Results 

 TBSS analysis showed significant reductions in FA (globus pallidus: t = -4.71, p < 0.001; caudate nucleus: t = -4.20, p < 0.001) and increases in MD (globus pallidus: t = 3.96, p < 0.001; caudate nucleus: t = 3.85, p < 0.001) in stroke patients compared to controls. These changes correlated significantly with clinical outcomes; higher FA and lower MD were linked to better motor function (Brunnstrom score: r = 0.90, p < 0.001 for FA in globus pallidus) and lower stroke severity (NIHSS score: r = -0.91, p < 0.001 for FA in globus pallidus). VBM analysis revealed significant gray matter volume increases in the anterior cingulate cortex and six other regions at p < 0.001. 

 Conclusion 

 The study underscores the importance of white matter integrity in post-stroke recovery and highlights neuroplasticity in specific brain regions. Neuroimaging metrics like FA, MD, and gray matter volume are crucial for assessing stroke severity and guiding rehabilitation strategies.