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Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Measurement of Total Calcium in Neurons by Electron Probe X-ray Microanalysis
Published on: November 20, 2013
[Use of calcium inhibitors in neuropsychiatric pathology]
1Unité de Neuro-Psychopharmacologie, Groupe Hospitalier de la Timone, Marseille.
Insights
Calcium channel blockers, like flunarizine and nimodipine, are increasingly used beyond cardiology. Clinical studies show their potential in treating neurological and psychiatric conditions such as migraines, epilepsy, and panic disorder.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Context:
- Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are standard in cardiology.
- Their application is expanding into neurology and psychiatry.
- Flunarizine and nimodipine are key CCBs discussed.
Purpose:
- To review clinical studies on CCBs in neurology and psychiatry.
- To highlight the efficacy of flunarizine and nimodipine in specific conditions.
- To explore the emerging role of CCBs in neuropsychiatric treatment.
Summary:
- CCBs show promise in treating neurological disorders including migraines, epilepsy, dizziness, and ischemic stroke.
- Emerging research indicates positive outcomes for CCBs in psychiatric conditions like panic disorder, Gilles de la Tourette disease, and mania.
- Flunarizine and nimodipine are identified as significant agents in these neuropsychiatric applications.
Impact:
- Suggests a broader therapeutic potential for CCBs.
- Highlights the need for further research in neuropsychiatry.
- Provides evidence for considering CCBs in neurological and psychiatric treatment paradigms.
Abstract:
The use of calcium channel blockers is usual in cardiology today, but seem to spread to others specialties, particularly in the field of neuropsychiatry. The authors report the major clinical studies in neurology (treatment of migraines, epilepsia, dizziness and ischemic stroke) where flunarizine and nimodipine seem to have an important role. In psychiatry, their introduction is more recent. However, some encouraging results have been noted in the treatment of panic disorder, Gilles de la Tourette disease and mania.
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