The present study was undertaken to evaluate whether the persistent hypoperfusion following cortical spreading depression (CSD) in rat brain was accompanied by alterations of regional cortical glucose consumption (rCGU). rCGU was measured using 2-deoxy-[¹⁴C]glucose and autoradiography at 15-60 min after single CSD episodes. rCGU did not differ in cortical regions invaded by CSD as compared to the contralateral side and to sham-treated rats. The results suggested impairment of the metabolism-flow couple after CSD.