title: The effects of nimodipine on the clinical course of patients with acute ischemic stroke.
abstract: 60 patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in a prospective single-blind, randomized trial to determine whether treatment with the calcium antagonist nimodipine would reduce their neurological deficit. All patients received a standard treatment. In addition, 29 received a daily dose of 120 mg nimodipine orally as 3 divided doses (treatment group). Evaluation of therapy was assessed with a neurological scoring system ( Mathew scale). Comparison of the Mathew sum scores in the standard group with those of the nimodipine group (analysis of variance) revealed a highly significant difference (P less than 0.0001) in favour of nimodipine during the 4 week period of treatment. Based on the individual items of the Mathew scale, the level of consciousness and disability were significantly improved under the nimodipine-therapy. Side effects were of minor importance and of no clinical relevance.
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003243:Consciousness / Q000187:drug effects; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009539:Nicotinic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009553:Nimodipine; D010919:Placebos; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D012107:Research Design; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D009539:Nicotinic Acids; D010919:Placebos; D009553:Nimodipine