Digit-specific aberrations in the primary somatosensory cortex in writer's cramp

Aimee J. Nelson, David T. Blake, Robert Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

99 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: One approach to the treatment of focal hand dystonia (FHD) is via sensory-based training regimes. It is known that FHD patients demonstrate a reduced distance between the representations of digits 1 and 5 and also digits 2 and 5 in primary somatosensory cortex. However, we lack information on the spatial relationships among digits, such as reduced inter-digit spacing or shifts of representations within the cortical areas, and whether aberrations are specific to symptomatic digits. Our aim was to characterize the spatial relationships among individual digits to determine the types of aberrations that exist and whether these are specific to symptomatic digits only. Methods: Using high-resolution fMRI over a limited volume and surface-based mapping techniques, the cortical representations of all digits of the dystonia-affected hand within the sub-regions of the postcentral gyrus were mapped in patients with task-specific Writer's cramp (WC). Results: In area 3b, digits directly involved in writing (D1, D2 and D3) show reduced inter-digit separation, reversals, and overlapping activation. The thumb representation occupies territory normally occupied by digit 2 in controls. Asymptomatic digits 4 and 5 preserve their inter-digit separation yet shift towards the D1/D2/D3 cluster, suggesting that reduced spacing, not simply digit shifts, are associated with dystonia symptoms. Area 3a was less responsive to sensory input in WC patients providing evidence of reduced afferent drive or top-down modulation to this sub-region. Interpretation: Therapeutic regimes aimed at facilitating inter-digit separation of digits 1, 2 and 3 may promote beneficial plasticity in WC patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)146-154
Number of pages9
JournalAnnals of Neurology
Volume66
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Digit-specific aberrations in the primary somatosensory cortex in writer's cramp'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this