title: Neuropharmacology in pediatric brain injury: a review.
abstract: In this review, the current evidence is examined regarding neuropharmacologic treatment for children and adolescents (under the age of 18 years) who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although the focus is on the pediatric TBI population, there is a paucity of empirical data related to the role of medication with children and adolescents after brain injury. Therefore, findings from the adult TBI literature are incorporated where appropriate so as to identify potential agents that warrant further examination in pediatric populations. This review addresses specific sequelae of TBI from the earliest stages of neurologic recovery to long-term comorbidities, including disorders of impaired consciousness, post-TBI agitation, cognitive decline, and post-TBI depression. The evidence regarding the role of medication in neuroprotection and neurorecovery in this population is also explored. Medication classes reviewed include excitatory amino acids, antagonists to the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, dopamine agonists, benzodiazepines, β-blockers, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants. It is hoped that this review will guide future research, and ideas as to how this may be accomplished within a pediatric population are suggested.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA.
authors.forename: Percival H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Pangilinan
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giacoletti-Argento
authors.forename: Renee
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shellhaas
authors.forename: Edward A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Hurvitz
authors.forename: Joseph Edward
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Hornyak
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D001418:Baclofen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018755:GABA Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018491:Dopamine Agonists; D018755:GABA Agonists; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D001418:Baclofen