Anna Członkowska1, Marcin Leśniak. 1. Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 2nd Dept of Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Str., 02-957 Warsaw, Poland. czlonkow@ipin.edu.pl
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pharmacotherapy is commonly given to patients recovering from a stroke to prevent further complications (e.g. recurrent stroke, seizures) or enhance recovery. However, some drugs may have a negative impact on neuroplasticity. OBJECTIVES: This review examines currently used drugs that are believed to promote recovery from motor and cognitive disturbances associated with stroke. METHODS: Literature regarding the properties, efficacy, safety, and dosing of drugs used to promote recovery after stroke was reviewed. RESULTS: The data on pharmacotherapy are insufficient to support a claim of significantly improved rehabilitation outcomes. Moreover, a growing body of evidence indicates that some agents can impair functional reorganization and slow the recovery process. However, a few chemicals are reported to be beneficial for stroke rehabilitation. The most promising are noradrenergic and dopaminergic agents, as well as several growth factors; these should be the future focus of extensive randomized clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: Currently there is no drug with proven efficacy in enhancing poststroke recovery.
BACKGROUND: Pharmacotherapy is commonly given to patients recovering from a stroke to prevent further complications (e.g. recurrent stroke, seizures) or enhance recovery. However, some drugs may have a negative impact on neuroplasticity. OBJECTIVES: This review examines currently used drugs that are believed to promote recovery from motor and cognitive disturbances associated with stroke. METHODS: Literature regarding the properties, efficacy, safety, and dosing of drugs used to promote recovery after stroke was reviewed. RESULTS: The data on pharmacotherapy are insufficient to support a claim of significantly improved rehabilitation outcomes. Moreover, a growing body of evidence indicates that some agents can impair functional reorganization and slow the recovery process. However, a few chemicals are reported to be beneficial for stroke rehabilitation. The most promising are noradrenergic and dopaminergic agents, as well as several growth factors; these should be the future focus of extensive randomized clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: Currently there is no drug with proven efficacy in enhancing poststroke recovery.