Amphetamines and related drugs in motor recovery after stroke.

Studies in laboratory animals indicate that the rate and extent of functional recovery after focal brain injury can be modulated by drugs affecting specific central neurotransmitters. Preliminary clinical studies suggest that similar drug effects may occur in humans recovering from stroke. Combined with principles derived from the laboratory, these clinical studies provide important insights to guide the rational design of trials aimed at determining the clinical use of this approach to improving poststroke recovery.