[Paradoxical effect of methylphenidate in the treatment of a patient with severe traumatic brain injury].
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS)-stimulating agent. During recent years methylphenidate has been shown to increase arousal in patients with traumatic brain injury. We describe a patient with a severe traumatic injury in whom arousal was increased when methylphenidate was given, and the level of arousal decreased when the amount was diminished after some months. Due to possible side effects, methylphenidate treatment was reduced over several weeks 2 years after the trauma. Surprisingly, the cognitive level was then dramatically improved. To our knowledge, such paradoxical effect of methylphenidate has not previously been described.
Grønborg
Pia
P
Sygehus Syd, Neurologisk Afdeling, Afsnit for Hjerneskadede, Vordingborg Sygehus. o.h.p.groenborg@oncable.dk
Liljegren
Jeanette
J
Jansen
Jette
J
D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate