Chronic Cerebrovascular Insufficiency Treated With Papaverine

A sustained‐release papaverine preparation (Pavavid Plateau Cape) was evaluated for is efficacy in relieving symptoms related to cerebrovascular insufficiency. The overall improvement rate in 37 patients whose ages ranged from 45 to 80 years, was 70 per cent. The most consistent benefit was obtained in patients whose symptoms were caused by cerebral ischemia but who did not show evidence of advanced arteriosclerosis or other cerebral damage. The symptom most frequently relieved was the most disturbing one—loss of memory or amnesia. Other symptoms relieved in over 50 per cent of the involved patients were vertigo, dizziness, incoordination and confusion. The younger patients and those whose symptoms were of shorter duration responded better than those with advanced cerebral circulatory disease. Since the aging process is progressive, therapy which is effective in delaying the cerebrovascular insufficiency associated with aging should be started immediately upon the appearance of signs of cerebral ischemia. The results obtained in this series indicate that papaverine has a place in the management of such patients because of its pronounced cerebral vasodilator action. Even in patients in whom the cause of the symptoms is in doubt, papaverine merits consideration for a therapeutic trial.