Cholinergic Dysfunction after Traumatic Brain Injury

In vivo confirmation of cholinergic hypoactivity

Although activity of multiple neurotransmitters may be altered after traumatic brain injury (TBI), the evidence of chronic dysfunction is strongest for the cholinergic system. Many studies have demonstrated cholinergic impairment, including animal models and psychophysiologic studies in humans (JW Neurol Feb 24 2005), and investigators have examined the possible efficacy of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors (JW Psychiatry Oct 30 2006). In this study using positron emission tomography, researchers examined binding of a substrate for AChE to assess cholinergic functioning in 17 unmedicated individuals who had experienced TBI more than 1 year previously (mean age, 45) and in 12 healthy age- and sex-matched controls.

TBI severity was at lea…

Reviewing Author

Jonathan Silver, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesTextbook 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)

Jonathan Silver, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience