The effects of L-acetylcarnitine on reaction times in patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency. A double blind cross-over study

The clinical observation of a beneficial action of L-acetylcarnitine (L-Ac) on functional recovery in patients who have suffered a stroke prompted us to investigate such effects in detail and to quantify the efficacy of the drug by means of a number of tests. Verbal and numerical memory, non-verbal performance, reaction times (simple and multiple-choice) and computerized EEG in 12 patients undergoing rehabilitation treatment for stroke were evaluated. Randomized 4-week courses of therapy with L-Ac 1500 mg daily and placebo were given according to a double-blind cross-over design. L-Ac proved to be significantly more active than placebo in the memory and non-verbal performance tests. In addition, simple reaction times proved to be significantly reduced as compared to controls.