Levodopa related reorganisation of motor representation in stroke recovery- evidence from fMRI

The physiologic mechanisms underlying functional recovery after stroke are not well understood. Clinical evidence has shown a beneficial effect of physiotherapy. Several reports indicate enhancing effects of supportive amphetamine and levodopa administration. The purpose of our pilot study was to examine levodopa induced changes of activity within the cortical motor regions. We studied 20 patients with stroke and brachio-facial hemiparesis in the post-acute phase. 10 patients were randomly assigned to take 100mg levodopa, the other 10 patients received placebo as adjunct to the physical therapy for 4 weeks. Addi…