Cerebrolysin as a New Treatment Option for Post-Stroke Spasticity: Patient and Physician Perspectives

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies show that spasticity 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 paralyzed limb. Finally, this might result in long-term disability with economic consequences and negative impact on the psychological state of patients. Therefore, alternative and affordable 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 investigator’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.