Dopaminergic therapy with carbidopa L-dopa for left neglect after stroke: a case series.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of carbidopa L-dopa (Sinemet) in reducing left spatial neglect after stroke.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
Inpatient neurorehabilitation unit in a regional rehabilitation center.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 4 women with right brain strokes and left neglect.


METHODS
A trial of carbidopa L-dopa to treat left neglect, if indicated by selected subtests of the Behavioral Inattention Test (BIT).


METHODS
Baseline and posttreatment evaluation with the modified BIT and the FIM instrument.


RESULTS
Three of 4 subjects had significant improvements in their modified BIT scores (8%, 12%, 27%, respectively) and their functional status on the FIM.


CONCLUSIONS
With further study, carbidopa L-dopa may be shown to reduce unilateral spatial neglect and thereby improve rehabilitation outcomes.
Mukand
J A
JA
Southern New England Rehabilitation Center, Providence, RI 02907, USA.
Guilmette
T J
TJ
Allen
D G
DG
Brown
L K
LK
Brown
S L
SL
Tober
K L
KL
Vandyck
W R
WR
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D002230:Carbidopa / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010468:Perceptual Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015259:Dopamine Agents; D007980:Levodopa; D002230:Carbidopa