http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13760-015-0503-3
Abstract
Atomoxetine,
a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, has been reported to
enhance brain plasticity, but has not yet been used in stroke patients.
We reported the feasibility and clinical benefits on motor functional
recovery of the combination of repetitive transcranial magnetic
stimulation (rTMS) and intensive occupational therapy (OT) in stroke
patients. This pilot study was designed to evaluate the additive effects
of oral atomoxetine to rTMS/OT in post-stroke hemiparetic patients. The
study included three post-stroke patients with upper limb hemiparesis.
Treatment with 40 mg/day atomoxetine commenced 2 weeks before admission.
After confirming tolerance, the dose was increased to 120 mg/day.
Low-frequency rTMS/OT was provided daily for 15 days during continued
atomoxetine therapy. Motor function of the affected upper limb was
evaluated with the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Wolf Motor Function test.
All patients completed the protocol and showed motor improvement up to
4 weeks after the treatment. No atomoxetine-related side effects were
noted. Our protocol of triple therapy of atomoxetine, low-frequency
rTMS, and OT is safe and feasible intervention for upper limb
hemiparesis after stroke.
No comments:
Post a Comment