An open-label pilot study of the use of rivastigmine to promote functional recovery in patients with unilateral spatial neglect due to first ischemic stroke

Funct Neurol. 2010 Oct-Dec;25(4):195-200.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rivastigmine as add-on treatment to specific cognitive rehabilitation for unilateral spatial neglect (USN). Twenty patients were randomly assigned either to rehabilitation treatment only (No-RIV) or to rivastigmine (3 mg twice a day, for 8 weeks) add-on treatment (RIV+,). USN and functional status were evaluated by means of specific and validated instruments at baseline, at discharge and at one-month follow up. Compared with the untreated patients, the RIV+ subjects, at discharge, recorded significantly better discharge scores and higher effectiveness on two of the scales. However, subsequent further improvement of the No-RIV patients meant that at follow up there was no significant difference between the two groups. No other statistically significant difference was found. Rivastigmine as add-on treatment to specific cognitive training for USN may improve and accelerate recovery on some specific impairment tests as compared with cognitive training alone.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brain Ischemia / complications*
  • Brain Ischemia / rehabilitation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Perceptual Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Perceptual Disorders / etiology
  • Perceptual Disorders / rehabilitation
  • Phenylcarbamates / therapeutic use*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Recovery of Function / drug effects*
  • Rivastigmine
  • Stroke / complications*
  • Stroke Rehabilitation
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Phenylcarbamates
  • Rivastigmine