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Updated: May 9, 2025

Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: January 20, 2023
PIRACETAM HELPS RESTORE VISION AFTER CRANIOCEREBRAL TRAUMA
M Saidulaev1, N Osipova1, A Gurtskaya1
1NWSMU named after I.I.Mechnikova, Saint-Petersburg, Russia, First Pavlov State Medical University of St. Petersburg, Russia.
Abstract:
This article examines the effect of piracetam on visual function after brain injury. This drug may be useful in restoring ophthalmoscopic changes after craniocerebral trauma, contributing to improved brain activity and neuroplasticity. It is important to note that the efficacy of piracetam may depend on the severity of the injury as well as the general condition of the patient. The object of the study was patients treated at NWSMU named after I.I.Mechnikova for traumatic brain injury over the last three years, who received piracetam for 4 weeks. Depending on the severity of craniocerebral trauma, which was determined using the Glasgow Coma Scale, the subjects were divided into three groups: group №1, who had previously suffered a mild concussion, rated 13-15 points (n=20), group № 2, who had a moderate degree of severity of traumatic brain injury, 9-12 points (n=20) and group № 3, which was a placebo control (n=20). Prior to the study, all participants had their luminance sensitivity threshold (LST) and visual-motor reaction time (VMRT) assessed at specified points in the visual field. These parameters were assessed using colour campimetry, which allowed us to consider these parameters both in general (0-21o) and separately in the macular (0-5o) and peripheral (5-21o) retinal zones. The results were subjected to statistical processing (Student's and sign criteria). At the end of the course of piracetam administration, the visual functions were reassessed, namely, the functional capacity of the retina was determined by the magnitude of LST and VMRT.

