Cerebrolysin as a new treatment option for post-stroke spasticity: Patient and physician perspectives

Abstract

Introduction: Recent studies show that spas-ticity occurs in 20–30% of all stroke victims, especially in younger patients. Botulinum toxin is a very effective treatment; however, it is not reimbursed in the Ukraine, thus leaving patients untreated and unable to use the para-lyzed limb. Finally, this might result in long-term disability with economic consequences and negative impact on the psychological state of patients. Therefore, alternative and afford-able treatment options are of high interest. This case report describes the therapeutic experience with Cerebrolysin on post-stroke spasticity in a chronic stroke patient from both the investiga-tor’s and the patient’s perspective. Methods: Cerebrolysin was administered for 30 days at a daily dose of 10 mL by intramuscular (IM) injections into the spastic limb of a 56-year-old chronic stroke patient. Therapeutic effects were assessed by the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), the mRS, and manual muscle testing (MMT). Results: After completing the treatment course with Cerebrolysin, spasticity-related outcome measures like MMT had improved by 70% and the MAS by 2 points. The patient reported a beneficial effect on mood and motivation. Conclusion: Intramuscular treatment with Cerebrolysin of post-stroke spasticity was safe and effective in this patient. The experiences observed in this patient are in line with the findings of a larger cohort study treated in the same way in the Philippines.