THE INFLUENCE OF CEREBRAL INFARCT LOCATION AND VOLUME ON MOTOR AND FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY AFTER STROKE: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Introduction: The knowledge on effect of location of infarct and volume of infarct on motor and functional outcomes is ambiguous due to variations in methodology and outcome measures used. This narrative review is aimed to summaries the studies on infarct location and volume related to motor and functional outcome, for a better understanding of the conclusions and limitation of the studies. Methodology: Literature search was done with key words of location of infarcts, size of infarct, motor recovery and functional recovery with Boolean term AND. Studies using outcome measures of multiple domain was not considered for inclusion. Results: 13 studies were identified in an extensive search without a time limit. Studies were categorized under location and volume with motor and functional recovery as variables. Majority of studies were done in isolation to any two variables, location outnumbered volume. The relationship with location and motor outcome was inconclusive, though two studies concluded that cortical infarcts had better scores than sub cortical. Volume was moderately associated with motor and functional recovery. Majority of the studies concluded a relationship between location and functional outcome, however the results are variable. Conclusion: Only few studies have analyzed the impact of infarct in different location and results were inconclusive. Outcome measures were summative in nature, not reflecting recovery in upper and lower extremities in isolation. The amount of recovery is analysed with initial deficits. We suggest more studies are required in this area to provide clarity.