The Treatment of Brain Ischemia With Vasopressor Drugs

Abstract

Vasopressor drugs were administered to 13 patients soon after the development of focal brain ischemia even though there was no significant decrease in their blood pressure. The neurological function of five patients improved following an increase of their blood pressure to levels of 150 to 170/85 to 100 mm Hg. Focal brain dysfunction recurred whenever the blood pressure was allowed to fall to the initial level during the immediate postinsult period. Significant recovery was maintained in three of these five patients; neurological function in these three did not deteriorate when the blood pressure was allowed to fall to levels of 90/60, 100/70 and 120/80, respectively, after the immediate postischemic period. The critical blood pressure level required for improvement of brain function during the ischemic episode was not lowered by simultaneous treatment with low-molecular-weight dextran, hyperosmotic agents, dexamethasone and aminophylline in case 1 or by treatment with papaverine in case 3.