The effect of Cerebrolysin on the development of skills in patients after acute cerebrovascular accidents

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Cerebrolysin on improving the process of skill formation in patients with acute cerebrovascular accident during medical rehabilitation, based on a systematic review of the literature using elements of meta-analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search of publications was conducted using the keywords «Cerebrolysin; Rehabilitation; Arm; Speech; Occupational therapy; Physical therapy; Ergotherapy» in the PubMed, Google Scholar and Elibrary databases. Original comparative studies investigating the effects of the drug on the human population after acute cerebrovascular accident, using rehabilitation measures and measuring the effectiveness using BI, ARAT, FIM, mRS, RMI, COPM, WAB and FMA were included. Mathematical processing of the arm action test (ARAT) results was performed using the SMD method. RESULTS: The positive effect of potentiating neuroplasticity with Cerebrolysin consists in a significant improvement in daily activity in patients undergoing early comprehensive rehabilitation or physical therapy after a stroke. Patients statistically significantly restore the functionality of the affected upper limb during long-term rehabilitation initiated in the early subacute period. Improvement in speech and social activity is noted due to speech therapy interventions. A decrease in the level of depression and improvement in social adaptation have been proven during occupational therapy and psychological rehabilitation. The best results are observed with the introduction of the drug at a dosage of 30 ml. against the background of comprehensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Efficiency decreases with late onset of rehabilitation and a short course of drug administration. CONCLUSION: The use of Cerebrolysin in a dose of 10 ml to 30 ml during post-stroke rehabilitation leads to an increase in the quantity and quality of restored functions and formed skills, which was shown in a small group of 10 studies.