Is Asymmetry of the Pons Associated with Hand Function and Manual Ability after Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Children?

Aim: This study was designed to investigate how the asymmetry of the brain stem is related to hand function and manual ability after arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) diagnosed during childhood.

Method: Patients diagnosed with AIS during childhood (> 5 years old, diagnosis > 2 years before recruitment) and typically developing peers were recruited by the Swiss Neuropediatric Stroke Registry. Brainstem cross-sectional areas of each side at the level of the pons were measured.