Effect of Methylphenidate and/or Levodopa Combined with Physiotherapy on Mood and Cognition after Stroke: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
European Neurology, 06/23/2011
Clinical Article
Delbarn A et al. – A 15–day course of daily methylphenidate(MPH) + levodopa(LD) combined with physiotherapy over a 3–week period was safe and significantly improved mood status in ischemic stroke patients. Future studies are needed which determine the optimal therapeutic window for and dosage of psychostimulants as well as identify those stroke patients who might benefit the most from treatment.
Methods- Ischemic stroke patients were enrolled in this study 15 to 180 days after stroke onset.
- Patients were randomized into four medication groups (MPH, LD, MPH + LD, or placebo) and received a 15–day course of medication therapy (1 dose daily) and 45–min standard physiotherapy treatment daily.
- Mood and cognitive function were assessed at the study onset and 15, 90 and 180 days after study enrollment.
- Strongest improvement of mood and cognition was found between baseline and the first follow–up immediately after the intervention.
- Significant improvement in mood was also found in the combined treatment group (MPH + LD) at 90 and 180 days, compared to the placebo group.
