[Drugs for improvement of motor deficits after stroke]

Randomized controlled trials with a variety of drugs have been performed for approximately 20 years in order to support functional restitution of motor deficits after a stroke. Nowadays, serotonin reuptake inhibitors show the highest level of evidence due to the largest number of positive studies and L‑dopa also seems to be effective; however, much fewer studies have been conducted. In the majority of trials amphetamines provided no additional benefits and D‑cycloserine cannot be recommended either. Future therapeutic approaches, e.g. anti-nogo antibodies and cell therapy are presented.