Acute treatment of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is aimed at minimizing secondary injury and life support.
Mechanical ventilation supports breathing and helps keep the pressure down in the head. A device may be placed surgically in the brain cavity to monitor and help control intracranial pressure.
Medications to sedate and put the individual in a drug-induced coma may be used to minimize agitation and secondary injury. Seizure prevention medications may be given early in the course and later if the individual has seizures.
Medications to control spasticity may be used as the patient recovers function. Behavioral issues also can be treated with medications. Medications for attention problems and aggressive behavior are often tried.
Medications may be used for:
Attention and concentration: amantadine and methylphenidate, bromocriptine and antidepressants.
Aggressive behavior: carbamamazapine and amitriptyline