There are few circumstances that can be more frustrating for a patient than stroke recovery. There are many clinical approaches that I employ in clinical practice, CDP choline (Citicoline) is a consistent supplement that I use post stroke. Here is a nice article (abstract below.
Stroke. 2011 Jan;42(1 Suppl):S33-5.
Neuroprotection and recovery: recent data at the bench on citicoline.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
In this work, we review recent data on the actions of citicoline, citicoline is a drug with demonstrated neuroprotective properties in both animals and humans. Summary of Review- For neuroprotection, mechanisms involved are the improvement of cellular functions aimed to control excitotoxicity and to maintain cellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate levels by preserving membrane function and integrity at different levels. Importantly, these actions are theoretically achieved without interfering with possible underlying mechanisms for neurorepair.
Furthermore, citicoline stimulates neuronal plasticity and improves sensorimotor recovery in the chronic phase of experimental stroke.
CONCLUSIONS: Although the mechanisms of some of these actions remain to be elucidated, so far citicoline appears as a drug with the ability to promote “safe” neuroprotection capable of enhancing endogenous protective pathways at the same time as preparing the scenario for plasticity.
