Persistence of Glenohumeral Subluxation is Correlated with Prolonged Existence of Crossed Cerebellar Diaschisis in a Hemiplegic Stroke Survivor: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Glenohumeral Subluxation (GHS) is one cause of shoulder pain after stroke. The greater the distance of GHS, the higher is the chance of rotator tendonitis or tearing of the tendon, causing limited motions and excruciating pain. Cross Cerebellar Diaschisis (CCD), a reduction of blood flow in the contralateral cerebellum after the supratentorial stroke, is detectable by a brain perfusion scan, and it has marked impacts on functional outcomes after stroke. We presented here a case on hemiplegic stroke. CCD of the patient persisted for 7 months without improvements. The patient underwent measurement of GHS and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography to confirm the characteristic relationship. The patient’s GHS persisted for a prolonged period of time during which the acromiohumeral distance was longer than those of the general CCD-free stroke. Together with persisted CCD, the persistence of GHS was correlated with a prolonged CCD, which is presumably one sign of motor deficits associated with CCD.