Pharmacological enhancement of motor recovery in subacute and chronic stroke

Pharmacological agents, known to modulate practice-dependent plasticity in animal models of brain damage, have recently received increased interest for treatment of motor recovery after stroke. The present paper gives an overview of agents that are currently available. Amphetamines have been repeatedly shown to promote recovery of function in animals, but clinical data remain inconclusive. Other pharmacological agents evaluated for motor recovery include selective norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors, dopamine, dopamine agonists, cholinergic substances, serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor. Although preliminary data from animal and human experimental studies on these agents are promising, larger clinical trials are needed before any of the available agents may be recommended for routine use.