NSAIDs in the treatment and/or prevention of neurological disorders

Abstract

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used extensively in the treatment of inflammatory disorders and pain. In recent years, emerging data suggest that some NSAIDs possess pharmacological properties, in addition to cyclooxygenase inhibition, which may be beneficial in the treatment of several neurological conditions. For example, fenamate NSAIDs potentiate GABA-A receptor function, indomethacin scavenges nitric oxide free radicals, and acetylsalicylic acid inhibits the translocation of NF-κB, all of which may contribute to their neuroprotective actions in selected experimental models of stroke. The purpose of this review is to explore the diverse pharmacological properties of NSAIDs in relation to their potential value in the treatment of selected neurological diseases.