Understanding Motor Function in Stroke Patients and Their Functional Brain Reorganization Using Ultra High-field MRI

Inclusion criteria

Patients

• 1-MRI-confirmed diagnosis of a first ischemic stroke occurring more than 6 months prior to inclusion.
• 2-Persistent upper-limb motor deficit resulting from the stroke.
• 3-Absence of significant cognitive impairment: MMSE score ≥ 27 assessed as part of clinical care.
• 4-Age between 18 and 70 years.
• 5-Validation by the inclusion validation committee.
• 6-Signed informed consent after clear and fair information about the study.

Healthy volunteers:

• 1-Age between 18 and 70 years.
• 2-No history of neurological or psychiatric disease.
• 3-Signed informed consent after clear and fair information about the study.

Exclusion criteria

Patients:

• 1-Recurrent stroke.
• 2-Severe aphasia or severe speech disorders preventing adequate interaction for the protocol.
• 3-Severe auditory or visual impairment.
• 4-Disorders of comprehension, attention, or neglect affecting understanding of study motor tasks.
• 5-Associated conditions with an estimated life expectancy of less than 2 years.
• 6-History of brain surgery, craniectomy, or cranioplasty.
• 7-Other causes of motor disability.
• 8-Alcohol consumption the day before or on the day of the examination, or use of illicit psychotropic substances within 48 hours prior to MRI.
• 9-Absolute contraindications to MRI, including pregnancy; intracorporeal metallic foreign bodies; pacemakers; non-MRI-compatible neurostimulators; cochlear implants; implanted medical devices (electronic or non-electronic) implanted for less than 6 weeks; metallic heart valves; stents, coils, carotid or neurosurgical clips; implantable ports; infusion pumps; non-removable piercings; tattoos or permanent makeup larger than 5 cm on the head, neck, trunk, or upper limbs; transdermal devices with metallic components; intrauterine devices (except Mirena); dental appliances larger than 4 cm; or health conditions incompatible with MRI comfort and safety (e.g., acute respiratory or cardiac failure, inability to remain supine, bedridden state, claustrophobia).
• 10-Individuals not covered by a social security system.
• 11-Individuals under enhanced protection, including pregnant or breastfeeding women, persons deprived of liberty, legally protected adults, or patients in emergency situations.
• 12-Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women of childbearing potential refusing a pregnancy test.

Healthy volunteer:

• 1-Absolute contraindications to MRI as listed above.
• 2-Individuals not covered by a social security system.
• 3-Individuals under enhanced protection, including pregnant or breastfeeding women, persons deprived of liberty, legally protected adults, or patients in emergency situations.