Beneficial behavioural effects of lamotrigine in traumatic brain injury.
Anti-convulsant medications have been employed to treat behavioural disorders resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, there is a paucity of literature investigating the use of lamotrigine to treat aggression and agitation in patients with TBI. In a single case study design, the present study examined the effectiveness of lamotrigine to treat aggressive and agitated behaviour in a 40-year-old male who sustained a severe TBI. A substantial decrease in problematic behaviours and a significant improvement in neurobehavioural functioning were observed after lamotrigine treatment. This case study provides some support for the use of lamotrigine to treat aggression and agitation in patients with a TBI. Further research is needed to examine the relationship between lamotrigine and functional outcome after TBI.
Pachet
Arlin
A
Brain Injury Rehabilitation Provincial Program, Alberta Hospital Ponoka, Alberta Mental Health Board, Alberta, Canada. apachet@networc.com
Friesen
Steven
S
Winkelaar
David
D
Gray
Shaun
S
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D000077213:Lamotrigine; D008297:Male; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014227:Triazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014227:Triazines; D000077213:Lamotrigine