Speed of processing improved, although only on simple attentional tasks, when patients received methylphenidate.
Cognitive problems, especially attention and speed of processing, are common after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although stimulants are often prescribed, few well-controlled trials have studied their effects. A new randomized, crossover, double-blind study on methylphenidate (MPH) can now be added to the growing number of high-quality studies in this population.
Of 100 consecutive eligible patients in a rehabilitation center, 30 declined to participate, 30 were due to be discharged, and 40 participated (age range, 16–60; mean age, 26.33; 70% male). Patients with drug or alcohol histories or who were taking psychoactive substances were excluded. The participants had moderate-to-severe TBI and attentional problems (mean time since injury, 68 …
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)