Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent used off-label for post-stroke hypersomnolence. Although generally well-tolerated, rare central nervous system adverse effects, including hyperkinetic movement disorders, have been reported. CASES: We describe three elderly male stroke patients who developed new-onset involuntary movements within 48 h of initiating modafinil (100 mg/day) during recovery. Movements were choreiform or irregular, present during wakefulness, and absent during sleep. Extensive metabolic, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological evaluations revealed no alternative cause. Symptoms resolved completely within 36-48 h of discontinuing modafinil. CONCLUSIONS: Modafinil may rarely induce reversible hyperkinetic movements in elderly stroke patients. Clinicians should monitor for abnormal movements during its use, particularly in neurologically vulnerable individuals.
DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.70461
Authors: Mahendra Javali, Anish Mehta, Chandrashekhar Enuguri, Shalini Sachin, Prabhudev Hiremath, Lakshmi Priya, Pradeep Rangaiah, Purushottam Acharya
Institution: M.S. Ramaiah Medical College
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4416814160