Restitution of alpha-topography by piracetam in post-stroke aphasia.
OBJECTIVE
Electroencephalographic and clinical effects of piracetam in post-stroke aphasia were evaluated in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.


METHODS
In 24 patients with mild to moderate aphasia after ischemic stroke, quantitative topographic EEG at rest was studied before and after a 6-week treatment period.


RESULTS
In the active treatment group, a significant shift in the alpha-rhythm from frontal to occipital regions was observed which may be due to a restitution of corticothalamic circuits involved in the generation of alpha-activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Neuropsychological scores improved significantly and markedly in various domains of speech during piracetam treatment, whereas improvements were less marked and restricted to a few categories in the placebo group.
Szelies
B
B
Neurologische Universitätsklinik, Köln, Germany. b.szelies@pet.mpin-koeln.mpg.de
Mielke
R
R
Kessler
J
J
Heiss
W D
WD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001037:Aphasia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010889:Piracetam / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D010889:Piracetam