New frontiers of neuropharmacologic treatment of brain injury agitation

The treatment of agitation and aggression in the TBI patient continues to be a challenge in both the immediate period following injury and later, in the community setting. While there are few studies of non-traditional pharmacologic compounds in TBI subjects, studies of other patient populations with related disorders have been referenced for information on new and experimental compounds. In this article, medications such as the serotonergic system enhancers, atypical neuroleptics, central nervous system stimulants, hormonal agents, and opioid antagonists are reviewed at a basic science and clinical level. Possible directions for their use in the brain-injured patient are discussed.