Gillick Lab Stimulating Hope

As many as one in 2,300 infants worldwide are affected by stroke. This inspired Bernadette Gillick, PhD, to conduct the first-ever study that combines two motor enhancing treatments in children with stroke-induced CP. 

The treatments include noninvasive brain stimulation while also temporarily restraining the use of the child's less-affected hand, the idea being it would encourage the use of the more affected hand.

“Improving even a small percentage of function could enable them to live independently,” Gillick said in an interview.

Her study found that those who received the combined treatment had significantly improved hand function while also having very few if any side effects.