Piracetam Treatment in Post-Stroke Aphasia

In the past, post-stroke aphasia (in common with aphasia of other origin) has been treated mainly by means of logopaedic language therapy, i.e. language training provided by speech therapists. So-called ‘supportive drug therapy’ was not based on conclusions drawn from controlled studies. It appeared promising to complement language therapy with the administration of appropriate drugs, the efficacy of which had been demonstrated scientifically. In animal experiments and single photon emission tomography studies in patients with acute ischaemic stroke, piracetam has been shown to improve microcirculation and neuronal metabolism, and to enhance transmitter functions.