Current neuropharmacologic interventions for the management of brain injury agitation

Abstract

Agitation following brain injury is a significant and difficult problem; severe agitiation is most effectively treated by concurrent environmental, behavioral, and pharmacologic interventions. Delirium and agitation are briefly compared, however, a more thorough discussion of this topic appears in other articles within this issue. This article reviews the current literature in regard to practical pharmacologic interventions for agitation following brain injury and outlines short-term and long-term strategies. Common and serious side effects, as well as unique characteristics for each medication are highlighted.