Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Nimodipine on the hemorrheology and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) in the patients with vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) and to explore the mechanism.Methods50 cases with VBI were divided into Nimodipine group (25 cases) and routine therapy group (25 cases). The hemorrheology and BAEP were measured before the treatment and 1 month later.ResultsThe blood viscosity,including the whole blood viscosity shear value, plasma viscosity and blood fat of patients with VBI was increased. The total abnormity rate of BAEP was 76%. The main abnormity was brainstem type. The hemorrheology and the function of nerve conduction were improved distinctly (P<0.05) after treatment. Compared with the routine therapy group, the level of plasma viscosity was decreased markedly (P<0.05) in Nimodipine group, and peak latency of V wave, interpeak latency of III-V and I-V were also improved significantly (P<0.05).Conclusions Nimodipine can improve the hemorrheology and the function of nerve conduction in patients with VBI.

Key words: Nimodipine, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, brainstem auditory evoked potentials, hemorrheology