Clinical and imaging evidence of zolpidem effect in hypoxic encephalopathy.

Abstract

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-patient (N = 1) trial to evaluate the efficacy of zolpidem in a 48-year-old woman with an akinetic mutism. Motor and cognitive examinations and functional imaging were performed. Acute administration of zolpidem markedly improved motor performance and neuropsychological status. Cerebral metabolism ((18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography) increased in postrolandic territories and in frontal cortex. Using the H(2) (15)O positron emission tomography, we found a drug-induced activation in the anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal cortices. Zolpidem induced a transient improvement in motor and cognitive performances. This paradoxical effect could result from an activation of limbic loops modulating motivational processes.

• Authors: Christine Brefel-Courbon, Pierre Payoux, Fabierine Ory, Agnes Sommet, Tarik Slaoui, Gaelle Raboyeau, Beatrice Lemesle, Michele Puel, Jean-Louis Montastruc, Jean-Francois Demonet, Dominique Cardebat
• Journal: Annals of neurology (Ann Neurol) Vol. 62 Issue 1 Pg. 102-5 (Jul 2007) ISSN: 0364-5134 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17357126 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• GABA Agonists
• Pyridines
• Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
• Zolpidem

Topics

• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 (pharmacokinetics)
• GABA Agonists (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Hypoxia, Brain (diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Middle Aged
• Neuropsychological Tests
• Positron-Emission Tomography
• Pyridines (therapeutic use)
• Zolpidem