Key risk factors for ischemic stroke and principles of patient management in the early recovery after ischemic stroke are reviewed. The focus is on secondary prevention of recurrent stroke and use of neuroprotective drugs in the complex treatment of stroke patients.

The article deals with various aspects of neuroplasticity in patients with stroke. The dynamism of the process and heterogeneous involvement of the opposite hemisphere of the brain in the process of recovery are emphasized. The focus is on time after stroke and activation of different parts of the brain after stroke, with a special emphasis on neurorehabilitation of patients. The authors note that rehabilitative actions should be initiated in the early phase of stroke immediately after confirmation of the diagnosis and stabilization of the patient. The objectives of early post-stroke rehabilitation are prevention of complications, minimization of existing malfunctions and ultimate recovery of lost functions. Mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy of nicergoline, which is a semi-synthetic derivative of ergoline, in stroke patients are considered. Administration of nicergoline is associated with an increase in regional cerebral blood flow, better glucose utilization and activation of protein synthesis. Nicergoline is shown to affect the processes of neuroplasticity and neuroprotection mechanisms.

Migraine is one of the most common causes of disability of young and middle-aged people. Many patients with migraine are not satisfied with drugs used for the treatment. Rational approach to the treatment of migraine and effective relief of migraine attacks are discussed. Medicines for the treatment of migraine attacks and their evidence-based efficacy are analyzed. The efficacy and safety in relieving migraine of Excedrin containing 250 mg acetylsalicylic acid, 250 mg paracetamol and 65 mg caffeine, are described.

Migraine is one of the most common causes of disability of young and middle-aged people. Many patients with migraine are not satisfied with drugs used for the treatment. Rational approach to the treatment of migraine and effective relief of migraine attacks are discussed. Medicines for the treatment of migraine attacks and their evidence-based efficacy are analyzed. The efficacy and safety in relieving migraine of Excedrin containing 250 mg acetylsalicylic acid, 250 mg paracetamol and 65 mg caffeine, are described.

A post-registration, open randomized comparative trial of clinical efficacy and safety of betahistine medications Vestikap and Betaserc in patients with vestibular vertigo was carried out. 62 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the observation: 17 men and 45 women, mean age 47 ± 13,1 years. The treatment regimen was completed by all 62 patients. Administration of either medication was associated with a significant clinical benefit reflected in vertigo reduction by the vertigo severity scale and improved quality of life by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory. No significant differences were revealed in the efficacy, tolerability or safety of treatment with Vestikap compared with Betaserc.