Use of Olanzapine to Treat Agitation in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Series of N-of-One Trials.

Agitation is common during post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is associated with risk of harm to patients and caregivers. Antipsychotics are frequently used to manage agitation in early TBI recovery despite limited evidence to support their efficacy, safety, and impact upon patient outcomes. The sedating and cognitive side effects of these agents are theorized to exacerbate confusion during PTA, leading to prolonged PTA duration and increased agitation.

Agitated Behaviors following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prevalence by Post-Traumatic Amnesia Status, Hospital Setting, and Agitated Behavior Type.

Agitation is a common behavioral problem following traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, the precise proportion of patients who experience agitation in the early stages of recovery is unknown. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the prevalence of agitation in TBI patients undergoing inpatient care, and whether this prevalence differed by post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) status and setting (acute and rehabilitation). We also aimed to describe the prevalence of sub-types of agitated behavior (disinhibited, aggressive, and emotionally labile).

Patient Outcomes at Twelve Months after Early Decompressive Craniectomy for Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury in the Randomized DECRA Clinical Trial.

Functional outcomes at 12 months were a secondary outcome of the randomized DECRA trial of early decompressive craniectomy for severe diffuse traumatic brain injury (TBI) and refractory intracranial hypertension. In the DECRA trial, patients were randomly allocated 1:1 to either early decompressive craniectomy or intensive medical therapies (standard care). We conducted planned secondary analyses of the DECRA trial outcomes at 6 and 12 months, including all 155 patients.

Smartphones as assistive technology following traumatic brain injury: a preliminary study of what helps and what hinders.

Purpose: Smartphones have great potential as a convenient, multifunction tool to support cognition and independence following traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, there has been limited investigation of their helpful and less helpful aspects for people with TBI. We aimed to investigate patterns of smartphone use amongst individuals with TBI, identify potential barriers to use, and examine the relationships between smartphone use and daily functioning.