New Vistas in Stroke Recovery

Recent clinical trials have confirmed the positive effects of neurotrophic factors on neurological recovery after acute ischemic stroke. The CARS study evaluated neurotrophic factor treatment combined with standardized rehabilitation. Administered for 21 days within 48–72 hours after stroke, the therapy significantly improved upper-limb motor function (ARAT) at day 90, along with better outcomes in NIHSS, Barthel Index, and mRS scores.

Patients receiving neurotrophic factors also reported less depression and higher quality of life, with no safety concerns. Results from CARS 1 and CARS 2 meta-analyses confirmed these findings, showing consistent benefits in early rehabilitation.

This evidence supports the early combination of multimodal pharmacological therapy and rehabilitation as an effective approach to enhance recovery after stroke.

Learning objectives

• Describe the main outcomes of the CARS studies.
• Explain how neurotrophic factors aid post-stroke recovery.
• Discuss the value of early multimodal intervention.