Efficacy of Cerebrolysin in the reduction of spasticity during stroke rehabilitation

AIM This study assessed the efficacy of Cerebrolysin on post-stroke spasticity, motor recovery, and global functions in an outpatient rehabilitation setting. METHODS In this retrospective comparison study, Cerebrolysin was administered at a daily dosage of 10 ml for over 30 days as an intramuscular injection. Control patients did not receive Cerebrolysin. All the patients participated in a standardized physical and occupational rehabilitation therapy for one month at least two times per week. Efficacy was assessed at day 30 by using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) for spasticity and the Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) for motor recovery. Global function was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at day 30. RESULTS A total of 50 patients were eligible for participation according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, 23 patients were treated with Cerebrolysin and 27 patients represented the control group. No significant group differences were observed at baseline. Patients treated with Cerebrolysin experienced a significant reduction of spasticity in muscles of the upper and lower limbs, whereas only minor changes were observed in the control group. In the Cerebrolysin group, differences were statistically significant at day 30. Significant improvements of muscle strength and global functions were observed in both groups at day 30. Cerebrolysin was safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSION Cerebrolysin had a beneficial effect on post-stroke spasticity in an outpatient rehabilitation setting; intramuscular treatment for over 30 days was safe and well tolerated.