Use of calcium channel blockers in acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease

Many studies have shown that increased intracellular concentration of calcium ions is an important factor influencing neuronal damage in acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) and administration of calcium-channel blockers during the "open therapeutic window" have beneficial cytoprotective effects. In a prospective ICVD study we administered dihydropyridine compound "nimodipine" (1.5 to 2.0 mg/kg/day) either orally or as continuous intravenous drip round the clock for the first three days followed by oral therapy along with standard treatment after the diagnosis of a stroke was confirmed by CT Scan. The "ICVD" control cases received best medical care (BMC). The degree of functional neuronal recovery (using modified Mathew's scale) was assessed after three weeks of therapy. Our study shows significant improvement in the quality of neurologic recovery though there was no change in mortality rate in both the groups.