Reversal of neurological deficits by levallorphan in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

This study was conducted to examine the effect of the intramuscular injection of levallorphan tartrate (1.0 mg), a mixed agonist-antagonist opiate, on the neurological signs, symptoms, and vital signs in 19 patients with acute ischemic stroke. A temporary improvement of hemiplegia or hemiparesis was observed within several minutes after levallorphan injection in 13 of the patients. There were no significant alterations in blood pressure or pulse rate after injection. The findings indicate that levallorphan may have a temporary improving effect on neurological deficits in acute ischemic stroke. In addition, observation of the response to levallorphan may serve to predict the prognosis of the final neurological outcome in this type of patient.