Citicoline Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized, Single-Blind TMS Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Neurology

Background:

• Animal models suggest enhancing brain plasticity can improve outcomes after ischemic stroke.
• Citicoline is a potential therapeutic agent offering neurovascular protection and repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if Rischiaril® Forte (citicoline) can restore intracortical excitability in acute ischemic stroke patients.
• To assess changes using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocols.

Main Methods:

• Randomized, single-blind study with 30 acute ischemic stroke patients.
• Eight-week treatment: standard care (CG) vs. standard care + 1000 mg citicoline (TG).
• Clinical and neurophysiological assessments (TMS) pre- and post-treatment.

Main Results:

• No significant changes in clinical scores observed in the citicoline group (TG) compared to the control group (CG).
• Significant improvement in short-interval intracortical inhibition (SAI) in the TG compared to CG (p = 0.003).

Conclusions:

• Eight-week citicoline treatment may restore intracortical excitability after acute ischemic stroke.
• Restoration of excitability may be partly mediated by cholinergic transmission.
• This study adds to the understanding of citicoline's application in acute ischemic stroke management.