Case-Based Modules > Case 11 > Stage 6

Sorry! Unfortunately, nicardipine gtt has never been consistently shown to improve functional outcomes. It might cause cerebral vasodilation, but again, vasospasm is not synonymous with DCI. (A good reminder is that the best data we have for reducing DCI in aSAH is nimodipine. Nimodipine has no effect on vasospasm-- a radiographic finding-- but does improve functional outcomes. Most patients get vasospasm; most do not get DCI.) Furthermore, nicardipine will lower systemic BP, which will exacerbate her ischemia. What else can we try?

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