Ritalin and neurobehavioural therapy in the treatment of low arousal following severe brain injury

Abstract

Objective:

To investigate the therapeutic effects of methyl-phenidate (Ritalin) in the treatment of prolonged low arousal state following a severe brain injury. To implement a behavioural program, designed to train communication skills to this patient.

Study design:

A single case withdrawal design was conducted in a hospital setting with a patient with a severe brain injury. Titrated doses of Ritalin were administered, and a modified arousal scale was designed to monitor the patient's status.

Results:

Results indicated improvements in arousal during the treatment phase. This improvement in arousal allowed implementation of a behavioural program, designed to train communication skills to this patient. Following the neurobehavioural program reliability for yes and no responses increased to 58% and 73% respectively.

Conclusions:

Improvement in arousal was achieved which allowed implementation of a behavioural program, designed to train communication skills to this patient.