Mannitol: Can it improve stroke recovery?

Brain swelling (edema) is a common complication of stroke and a leading cause of early death and long-term disability after a stroke. Mannitol is a medication sometimes used to reduce brain swelling. However, only a few small trials have evaluated the benefit of mannitol in preventing death and disability after a stroke. Results of these trials have been inconclusive.

At this time, there’s not enough evidence to support the routine use of mannitol in acute stroke treatment.