A review of the therapeutic and neuroprotective properties of ketamine
Medical Science of Ukraine June 30, 2026 Viacheslav Zaika, Yan Tytarenko
A systematic review found no clinical studies directly testing whether ketamine or esketamine can improve neurological rehabilitation in humans through their neuroplastic effects. Preclinical animal models of traumatic brain injury and ischemic stroke show that these drugs reduce neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, and oxidative stress, and support structural neuroplasticity, correlating with improved sensorimotor and behavioral outcomes. The authors conclude that ketamine and esketamine are promising adjunctive agents for neurological rehabilitation, but insufficient clinical evidence exists to formulate official recommendations. Well-designed randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.