Effects of flunarizine on neurological recovery and spinal cord blood flow in experimental spinal cord ischemia in rabbits.

Abstract

Flunarizine has a protective effect on neurological recovery after experimental ischemic spinal cord injury. The therapeutic window is narrow, and dosing is limited by untoward hypotension. The mechanism of protection likely involves inhibition of pathological cytosolic calcium accumulation rather than a direct effect on vascular smooth muscle.