Citalopram improves dexterity in chronic stroke patients

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Persistent motor deficits are common in stroke survivors despite physiotherapy.
• There is a need for additional effective treatment options for post-stroke motor impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), in improving motor function in chronic stroke patients.
• To assess the impact of a single citalopram dose on hand dexterity and grip strength.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose crossover study involving 8 chronic stroke patients (>6 months post-stroke).
• Participants received either citalopram or placebo, with sessions separated by at least two weeks.
• Motor function was evaluated using the nine-hole peg test and hand grip-strength measurements at baseline, 2 hours post-drug, and after 1 hour of hand training.

Main Results:

• Citalopram significantly improved nine-hole peg test performance for the paretic hand compared to placebo.
• No significant changes were observed in hand grip-strength or the unaffected hand's dexterity.
• A single dose of citalopram demonstrated a positive effect on fine motor skills in the affected limb.

Conclusions:

• A single dose of citalopram can enhance dexterity in chronic stroke patients.
• This pilot study provides a basis for further investigation into citalopram's efficacy in larger stroke patient cohorts.
• Citalopram shows potential as an adjunctive therapy for improving motor function after stroke.