The Effects of Modafinil and Methylprednisolone on Neurological Healing in Experimental Spinal Cord Injury

Objective: Methylprednisolone remains one of the most extensively studied pharmacological agents in the treatment of acute spinal cord injury; however, concerns regarding its adverse effects have prompted the investigation of alternative therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the neurobehavioral and electrophysiological effects of Modafinil administered alone and in combination with Methylprednisolone in an experimental rat model of spinal cord injury.Methods: Twenty-five male Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into five groups. Following laminectomy and standardized spinal cord trauma, Modafinil and/or Methylprednisolone were administered according to group allocation. Neurobehavioral recovery was assessed using the Inclined Plane Test, and electrophysiological evaluation was performed using motor evoked potential recordings.Results: A statistically significant difference in inclined plane angles was observed between the groups on postoperative day 1 (p < 0.01). Groups 4 and 5 demonstrated significantly higher functional scores compared to Group 2, whereas no significant difference was observed between Groups 2 and 3. In within-group analysis, functional improvement between day 1 and day 10 was significant in Groups 4 and 5 but not in Groups 1 and 2. Early post-traumatic amplitudes decreased significantly in all trauma groups. Late amplitude measurements demonstrated significant recovery within treatment groups, with greater improvement observed in the combined treatment group.Conclusion: Modafinil demonstrated beneficial neurobehavioral and electrophysiological effects in this experimental spinal cord injury model. The combined administration of Modafinil and Methylprednisolone resulted in greater functional and electrophysiological recovery, suggesting a potential synergistic effect. Further experimental and clinical studies are required to clarify its therapeutic role.