CSRS Neuroplasticity & Motor Recovery 2

Question 1

According to Brunnstrom's stages of motor recovery, what characterizes Stage 3?

Accepted Answer

Voluntary movement is possible but only within obligatory synergy patterns, with spasticity at its peak

Answer

Complete flaccidity with no voluntary movement present

Answer

Near-normal movement with only subtle coordination deficits

Answer

Isolated joint movements independent of mass synergy patterns

Question 2

Which factor is considered most critical for driving neuroplasticity and functional motor recovery after stroke?

Accepted Answer

High-intensity, task-specific, repetitive practice

Answer

Prolonged bed rest to allow spontaneous recovery

Answer

Pharmacological intervention as the sole treatment modality

Answer

Passive range-of-motion exercises performed by the therapist

Question 3

What is Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and its significance in stroke recovery?

Accepted Answer

A neurotrophin that promotes neuron survival, synaptic growth, and neuroplasticity, increased by aerobic exercise

Answer

A thrombolytic agent used to restore blood flow during acute stroke

Answer

A contrast agent injected during brain MRI to identify infarcted tissue

Answer

A neurotransmitter that inhibits excitatory activity to prevent excitotoxicity

Question 4

What is the primary neuroplastic mechanism targeted by Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)?

Accepted Answer

Overcoming learned non-use of the affected extremity by restraining the unaffected limb and forcing use of the impaired arm

Answer

Reducing upper limb spasticity through repetitive botulinum toxin injections

Answer

Improving postural control through structured vestibular rehabilitation

Answer

Strengthening the unaffected limb to improve overall functional independence

Question 5

What is axonal sprouting in the context of post-stroke neuroplasticity?

Accepted Answer

Growth of new branches from intact surviving axons that form new synaptic connections with denervated neurons

Answer

Progressive degeneration of damaged axons in the infarct core

Answer

Pruning of excessive synaptic connections during recovery

Answer

Accelerated myelination of previously unmyelinated axonal segments

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'learned non-use' after stroke?

Accepted Answer

A conditioned suppression of affected limb use arising from repeated early failures, persisting even when neurological recovery would allow function

Answer

A therapeutic strategy in which patients are taught to rely on their unaffected limb

Answer

The brain's automatic mechanism for protecting damaged neural tissue from overactivation

Answer

A pharmacological approach to reduce motor cortex excitability in the acute phase

Question 7

What is the primary role of dopamine in motor recovery and neuroplasticity after stroke?

Accepted Answer

It modulates synaptic plasticity and motor learning through reward-based circuits, facilitating activity-dependent reorganization

Answer

It directly stimulates neuromuscular junctions to restore voluntary muscle contraction

Answer

It reduces perilesional inflammation by suppressing microglial activation

Answer

It promotes angiogenesis to restore blood supply to the ischemic penumbra