Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of extended-release methylphenidate in enhancing processing speed, complex attentional functioning and everyday attentional behaviour after traumatic brain injury. DESIGN: Seven week randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel pilot study. SETTING: Inpatient and outpatient Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven individuals with reduced processing speed and/or attention deficits following complicated mild to severe traumatic brain injury. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were allocated using a blocked randomisation schedule to receive daily extended-release methylphenidate (Ritalin® LA at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg) or placebo ( lactose) in identical capsules. MAIN OUTCOMES: Tests of processing speed and complex attention, and ratings of everyday attentional behaviour were completed at baseline, week 7 (on- drug), week 8 (off- drug) and 9 months follow-up. Vital signs and side effects were monitored from baseline to week 8. RESULTS: Three percent ( n = 11) of individuals screened participated (mean post-traumatic amnesia duration = 63.80 days, SD = 45.15). Results were analysed for six and four individuals on methylphenidate and placebo, respectively. Groups did not differ on attentional test performance or relative/therapist ratings of everyday attentional behaviour. One methylphenidate participant withdrew due to difficulty sleeping. Methylphenidate was associated with trends towards increased blood pressure and reported anxiety. CONCLUSION:
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Authors | Alicia R Dymowski, Jennie L Ponsford, Jacqueline A Owens, John H Olver, Michael Ponsford, Catherine Willmott |
Journal | Clinical rehabilitation
(Clin Rehabil)
Vol. 31
Issue 6
Pg. 733-741
(Jun 2017)
ISSN: 1477-0873 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 27353245
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
- Central Nervous System Stimulants
- Methylphenidate
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Topics |
- Adult
- Brain Injuries, Traumatic
(complications, diagnosis, drug therapy, rehabilitation)
- Central Nervous System Stimulants
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Cross-Over Studies
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Glasgow Coma Scale
- Humans
- Male
- Mental Disorders
(drug therapy, etiology, physiopathology)
- Methylphenidate
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Middle Aged
- Neurological Rehabilitation
(methods)
- Neuropsychological Tests
- Pilot Projects
- Prognosis
- Reference Values
- Risk Assessment
- Statistics, Nonparametric
- Task Performance and Analysis
- Treatment Outcome
- Young Adult
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