Pramipexole in post-stroke aphasia (re-submission)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of Pramipexole on recovery from chronic post-stroke aphasia
IRAS ID
141215
Contact name
Abdel Magid Bakheit
Contact email
Eudract number
2013-002396-17
ISRCTN Number
NA
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NA
Research summary
Impairment of language function (aphasia) is one of the commonest and most disabling neurological deficits following stroke. It affects more than 30% of stroke survivors and, with the current methods of treatment, only a third of aphasic patients show significant functional improvement or complete recovery in 3-6 months. A new approach to aphasia rehabilitation is therefore needed.
Laboratory studies suggest that enhancing dopamine neuro-transmission may promote neural plasticity and functional recovery following brain damage, especially when combined with goal-specific training. For example, a single dose of d-amphetamine (which increases the release of dopamine) accelerates motor recovery in rats and cats with unilateral lesions of the motor area. Similar effects were reported when lesions of the visual and sensory cortex were treated. This effect can be blocked with the dopamine antagonist haloperidol.
The above evidence from animal experiments is supported by preliminary clinical observations. For example, the use of dopaminergic drugs has been shown to accelerate motor recovery after stroke. However, the role of dopamine in aphasia has not been systematically studied. A few case reports suggest that dopamine agonists may enhance recovery from aphasia but this was contradicted by other researchers.
The primary aim of this exploratory study is to generate preliminary data on whether the administration of the dopamine agonist, Pramipexole, improves performance in language tasks of stroke patients with chronic aphasia when combined with speech and language therapy.
REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/EM/0394
Date of REC Opinion
4 Dec 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion