Which sequence correctly describes the general motor recovery stages after a stroke?

Which sequence correctly describes the general motor recovery stages after a stroke?

• A. Immediate full recovery
• B. Initial flaccidity → mild spasticity
• C. Initial flaccidity, emergence of spasticity and synergies, voluntary movement in synergy, isolated movements, out-of-synergy control, near normal
• D. Progressive deterioration without improvement

Answer: (C)

Motor recovery after stroke commonly follows a staged pattern described by Brunnstrom. In the early phase the limb is flaccid due to loss of tone. As recovery begins, spasticity develops and movement is largely dominated by stereotyped patterns called synergies. With time and rehabilitation, voluntary movement starts within those synergy patterns. Then movements that are isolated from the synergies begin to emerge, followed by the ability to perform tasks out of the synergy pattern, and finally the limb approaches near-normal function. This sequence matches the option described: initial flaccidity, emergence of spasticity and synergies, voluntary movement in synergy, isolated movements, out-of-synergy control, near normal. Immediate full recovery is unlikely, and progressive deterioration without improvement is not typical of post-stroke motor healing.

Motor recovery after stroke commonly follows a staged pattern described by Brunnstrom. In the early phase the limb is flaccid due to loss of tone. As recovery begins, spasticity develops and movement is largely dominated by stereotyped patterns called synergies. With time and rehabilitation, voluntary movement starts within those synergy patterns. Then movements that are isolated from the synergies begin to emerge, followed by the ability to perform tasks out of the synergy pattern, and finally the limb approaches near-normal function. This sequence matches the option described: initial flaccidity, emergence of spasticity and synergies, voluntary movement in synergy, isolated movements, out-of-synergy control, near normal. Immediate full recovery is unlikely, and progressive deterioration without improvement is not typical of post-stroke motor healing.