Jon A. Mukand, T. Guilmette, D. G. Allen
Sep 1, 2001
Citations
3
Influential Citations
64
Citations
Journal
Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of carbidopa L-dopa (Sinemet) in reducing left spatial neglect after stroke. DESIGN Case series. SETTING Inpatient neurorehabilitation unit in a regional rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS A convenience sample of 4 women with right brain strokes and left neglect. INTERVENTION A trial of carbidopa L-dopa to treat left neglect, if indicated by selected subtests of the Behavioral Inattention Test (BIT). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Baseline and posttreatment evaluation with the modified BIT and the FIM instrument. RESULTS Three of 4 subjects had significant improvements in their modified BIT scores (8%, 12%, 27%, respectively) and their functional status on the FIM. CONCLUSION With further study, carbidopa L-dopa may be shown to reduce unilateral spatial neglect and thereby improve rehabilitation outcomes.