The effects of nimodipine on the clinical course of patients with acute ischemic stroke

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Abstract
— 60 patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in a prospective single‐blind, randomized trial to determine whether treatment with the calcium antagonist nimodipine would reduce their neurological deficit. All patients received a standard treatment. In addition, 29 received a daily dose of 120 mg nimodipine orally as 3 divided doses (treatment group). Evaluation of therapy was assessed with a neurological scoring system (Mathew scale). Comparison of the Mathew sum scores in the standard group with those of the nimodipine group (analysis of variance) revealed a highly significant difference (P < 0.0001) in favour of nimodipine during the 4 week period of treatment. Based on the individual items of the Mathew scale, the level of consciousness and disability were significantly improved under the nimodipine‐therapy. Side effects were of minor importance and of no clinical relevance.