Objective:

Our research focuses on the root causes and visible symptoms of Parakinesia Brachialis Oscitans (PBO) following strokes. We're aiming to pinpoint the brain areas associated with PBO, grasp its effects on how patients recover, and use this understanding to refine diagnostic techniques and tailor rehabilitation efforts more effectively.

Background:

PBO is a unique neurological phenomenon characterized by involuntary movements of the hemiplegic arm triggered by yawning, primarily observed in stroke patients. This literature review consolidates findings from various case studies to illuminate the pathophysiology of PBO, its clinical implications, and potential significance in neurorehabilitation.

Design/Methods:

This comprehensive review analyzed articles published from 2011 to 2024 that reported cases of PBO in patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes and demyelinating diseases. These studies utilized advanced imaging modalities such as MRI and SPECT to delineate the correlation between specific cerebral lesions and the manifestation of PBO. Data pertaining to the onset, frequency, progression, and persistence of PBO symptoms relative to the site and extent of neurological damage were synthesized.

Results:

Findings indicate that PBO frequently occurs in patients with lesions in the internal capsule and basal ganglia, implicating the cortico-ponto-cerebellar and spino-cerebellar pathways. The onset of PBO varied from immediate to several months post-stroke, underscoring a complex interaction between impaired cortical control and intact subcortical motor pathways. Persistent PBO was noted to serve potentially as a clinical marker for extensive neurological injury.

Conclusions:

PBO provides a unique window into the adaptive mechanisms of motor control following significant neurological injury and challenges traditional models of motor recovery. Recognizing and understanding PBO can significantly affect the development of targeted therapeutic strategies, potentially enhancing the efficacy of rehabilitation protocols and improving patient outcomes.