Treatment of agitation following traumatic brain injury: a review of the literature.
Agitation, restlessness, and aggression are frequent neurobehavioural sequelae in the early stages of recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI). These behavioural symptoms disrupt patient care and impede rehabilitation efforts. We review the current literature (1985 onwards) examining the pharmacological management of post-TBI agitation in both acute and post-acute conditions. This article will assess the evidence for the use of selected alkylphenols, benzodiazepines, estrogens, antiandrogens, neuroleptics/antipsychotics, antidepressants, anti-Parkinsonian agents, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, lithium carbonate, buspirone, beta-blockers, and psychostimulants in agitated TBI survivors. Review of the literature suggests that there is limited evidence to accurately guide clinicians in the management of this patient population.
Levy
Matthew
M
St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Berson
Andrea
A
Cook
Theresa
T
Bollegala
Natasha
N
Seto
Eva
E
Tursanski
Shannon
S
Kim
Jennifer
J
Sockalingam
Sanjeev
S
Rajput
Anshu
A
Krishnadev
Nupura
N
Feng
Chris
C
Bhalerao
Shree
S
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000374:Aggression; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D002491:Central Nervous System Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D002491:Central Nervous System Agents