Indomethacin for brain edema following stroke

Cerebrovasc Dis. 1999 Jul-Aug;9(4):248-50. doi: 10.1159/000015964.

Abstract

Conventional therapies for raised intracranial pressure (ICP) frequently are not effective. We report a patient with raised ICP following a large hemispheric stroke. After conventional therapies had failed, indomethacin was repeatedly administered. After bolus infusion (50 mg), the ICP fell by a mean of 8.1 mm Hg, and the mean arterial blood pressure increased by a mean of 7.1 mm Hg, leading to a mean increase in the cerebral perfusion pressure by 15.3 mm Hg. After 1 h, the ICP had returned to baseline values after most infusions. Continuous infusion of indomethacin was not effective. We conclude that indomethacin may reduce elevated ICP over a short time in patients with ischemic brain edema even after conventional therapy has failed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Brain Edema / drug therapy*
  • Brain Edema / etiology
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / complications*
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Indomethacin / therapeutic use*
  • Intracranial Pressure / drug effects

Substances

  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
  • Indomethacin