Effect of citicoline on cognitive function and functional recovery in patients with mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
NeuroscienceSep 1, 2026 (epub)
Moslem Shakeri Bavali Oleyayi, Ali Mamaghaniyan, Farhad Mirzaei et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized, placebo-controlled trial assessed the impact of citicoline on cognitive and functional recovery in 60 adults with mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). At 90 days, the citicoline group demonstrated significantly higher Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores (25.2 vs. 21.5; P < 0.001), indicating improved cognitive function compared to placebo.
Key findings
- Citicoline group had MMSE scores of 25.2 ± 2.1 vs. 21.5 ± 3.4 in placebo (P < 0.001).
- Higher Barthel Index scores in citicoline group (85.0 ± 0.5) compared to placebo (70.0 ± 0.8; P < 0.001).
- GOS-E scores were significantly higher in the citicoline group (5.2 ± 1.3) than in placebo (3.6 ± 0.8; P < 0.001).
Why it matters
The findings suggest that citicoline may enhance cognitive and functional recovery in patients with mild-to-moderate TBI, addressing a significant area of need in neurorehabilitation.