Magnesium Is Not Neuroprotective in Stroke

In animal models of stroke, magnesium sulfate has shown benefit when administered within 2 hours of symptom onset. Prior human studies demonstrating no benefit of magnesium did not achieve that early infusion benchmark (Lancet 2004; 363:439). In a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial, researchers evaluated whether beginning magnesium infusion in the prehospital setting would improve 90-day disability.

During an 8-year period, 1700 patients with suspected stroke (mean age, 69 years; 43% women) who could be treated within 2 hours of symptom onset were randomized to magnesium or placebo infusion. The assigned treatment was administered as a bolus infusion started by paramedics (4 g magnesium sulfate or placebo over 15 minutes), fol…