Neurobehavioral effects of amantadine after pediatric traumatic brain injury: a preliminary report.

Author(s): Beers SR, Skold A, Dixon CE, Adelson PD

Affiliation(s): Traumatic Brain Injury Program, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. beerssr@upmc.edu

Publication date & source: 2005-09, J Head Trauma Rehabil., 20(5):450-63.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of a dopamine agonist, amantadine hydrochloride (AMH), in the treatment of neurobehavioral sequelae of pediatric TBI. PROCEDURES: Age- and severity-matched traumatic brain injury groups, randomized to AMH (n = 17) or usual care (n = 10), completed behavior scales and neuropsychological tests. Effect sizes measured the treatment effect within subjects and between groups. Side effects were tracked over the 12-week study course. RESULTS: Behavior improved in the AMH group, but only those 2 years or fewer postinjury showed a treatment effect on cognitive tests. CONCLUSIONS: After traumatic brain injury, a 12-week course of AMH was safe and, according to parent report, improved behavior. AMH may have the potential to improve cognition in more recently injured children.