European neurology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of methylphenidate and/or levodopa combined with physiotherapy on mood and cognition after stroke: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Stimulant medications can enhance mood and cognition in stroke rehabilitation, but human clinical trial results are inconclusive. We sought to prospectively study the effects of levodopa (LD) and/or methylphenidate (MPH) in combination with physiotherapy on mood and cognition following stroke in human subjects. ⋯ A 15-day course of daily MPH + 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.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Is it always necessary to apply botulinum toxin into the lower facial muscles in hemifacial spasm?: a randomized, single-blind, crossover trial.
Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections are accepted as safe and efficacious in the treatment of hemifacial spasm (HFS), but it is still debated whether BTX treatment of lower facial muscles should be performed or not. ⋯ Our data suggest that BTX application to lower facial muscles might not be necessary in patients with mild lower facial involvement.