Assistant Professor

Graduate Training: Free University of Berlin, Germany
Fellowships: National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke; Neurologic Therapeutic Center, Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
Residency: Free University of Berlin; West Virginia University

Department of Neurology
West Virginia University School of Medicine
One Medical Center Drive
PO Box 9180 Health Sciences Center
Morgantown, WV 26506-9180
t: 304-293-2043
f: 304-293-3352
e: cbuetefisch@hsc.wvu.edu

Research Interests

Mechanisms underlying plasticity of motor cortex and the influence of both cortical stimulation and pharmacological interventions on formation and retention of plasticity in intact humans. The role of use-dependent plasticity in motor recovery after hemiparetic stroke with a clinical translation into a design of new treatment strategies for patients with neurological disorder affecting the motor output system. Lesion induced reorganization in patients post-stroke and the role of the non-affected hemisphere for recovery of function. Motor cortex physiology in patients with movement disorders such as dystonia. Research tools: transcranial magnetic stimulation and functional magnetic resonance imaging.

FMRI study of a single right-handed patient with an infarction of the motor output system of the left hand. In this study, the patient is performing a finger sequence with the affected left hand while the non-affected right hand is relaxed as confirmed by electromyographic (EMG) recording during fMRI (data not shown). Activation in bilateral precentral gyrus (PCG) is evident. As EMG recording confirmed strictly unilateral performance, this result reflects increased recruitment of motor areas in the non-lesioned hemishpere (B) when moving the affected hand. In contrast, in healthy age-matched subjects performance of this motor task results in unilateral activation of contralateral precentral gyrus (data not shown). (Click images to enlarge)