CLINICAL-VALUE OF MAGNETIC STIMULATION IN STROKE

Magnetic stimulation was performed on 22 patients with acute stroke. Only 1 patient had a prolonged motor conduction time (MCT); this was associated with a poor recovery. In 11 patients, motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were absent or reduced in amplitude; 10 made a poor recovery. In the remaining 11 patients, all of whom made a good recovery, MCTs and MEPs were within normal limits. MEP amplitudes increased significantly in patients who improved clinically, but not in those making a poor recovery. The findings suggest that magnetic stimulation may be clinically useful in determining the prognosis after stroke, and also for monitoring progress.