New Guidelines to Treat Behavior Problems Following Traumatic Brain Injury Published in Journal of Neurotrauma

Homeopathy is one of the only alternative health modalities that is recommended.

November 1, 2006

Important new, evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacologic treatment of behavior problems associated with traumatic brain injury are published in the October issue (Volume 23, Number 10) of Journal of Neurotrauma, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. (www.liebertpub.com). These guidelines are available free online at www.liebertpub.com/neu.

Neurobehavioral disorders including psychiatric and cognitive problems and aggression are common after traumatic brain injury (TBI). They can contribute to lifelong disability, impede rehabilitation and recovery, and negatively affect an individual's ability to work and pursue normal family and social relationships.

Made up of three panels of experts on TBI, the Guidelines Working Group reviewed the medical literature and concluded that, with some exceptions, the quality of the evidence was insufficient to support specific therapeutic standards but could be used to guide pharmacologic treatment recommendations. Overall, the flawed methodology used in many published studies greatly limits their use as evidence on which to base treatment standards. The working group emphasized the need for well-designed studies that could guide future efforts to establish treatment guidelines.

The group did present several evidence-based recommendations in the report entitled, "Guidelines for the Pharmacologic Treatment of Neurobehavioral Sequelae of Traumatic Brain Injury," including guidelines for the use of the beta blockers propanolol and pindolol to treat aggression in TBI patients. The report also supports the optional use of methylphenidate, cranial electrical stimulation, homeopathy, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, valproate, lithium, tricyclic antidepressants, and buspirone to treat TBI-related aggression.