It’s easy to hear the words “mild traumatic brain injury (TBI)” and brush them off as nothing serious, but “mild” is, well, putting it mildly. The 3.8 million annual mTBI patients might not agree with the nonchalance of this description as they suffer from lifelong complications, including poor attention, impaired memory, and serious sleep problems.
Treating TBIs has long been a challenge, but new research suggests that common ADHD medications may help improve attention and executive function in many of these TBI patients. Learn about the potential benefits of ADHD medication for TBIs below. We also share what characteristics make you a good candidate for this treatment option.
The Challenges of Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Within Neurocognitive Rehabilitation
Some medical issues, such as a broken leg, are relatively easy to treat. Traumatic brain injuries can be much more challenging. Part of the reason why neurocognitive rehabilitation is tricky is that everyone’s brain is different.
Damage from TBIs doesn’t affect every person in the same way. For example, some TBI victims might struggle to fall asleep, while others constantly doze off. Another sufferer may feel as though they’re stuck in a fog, taking longer to process the world around them.
Because a TBI specialist notes the effects on sufferers differing drastically, these doctors often waiver on which treatment will work best. Some TBIs are even resistant to treatment, although thanks to promising research now, TBI doctors have a new treatment option in the arsenal: ADHD medications.
Research from TBI Specialists and Others Suggests ADHD Medication May Show Promise as a Treatment for TBI Patients
Doctors commonly prescribe medications such as methylphenidate (brand name Ritalin) to treat ADHD symptoms like poor attention span, slow processing speed, and executive dysfunction. Such symptoms can arise from an imbalance in dopamine and norepinephrine.
TBIs share many symptoms with ADHD. Wouldn’t ADHD drugs, which assist with dopamine and norepinephrine regulation, help those suffering from a traumatic brain injury, as well? That’s exactly what several researchers have recently tried to determine – and the results of their work have so far been promising.
Let’s go over a few studies and meta-analyses to illustrate how ADHD medications work to help you if you’re struggling with TBI symptoms.
The Lancet Psychiatry Meta-Analysis
The Lancet Psychiatry, one of the most respected publications in this field, conducted a meta-analysis and review of 113 randomized controlled trials. The research involved nearly 15,000 adults with TBI symptoms and focused on the use of common ADHD medications, such as methylphenidate and atomoxetine.
Findings revealed that ADHD drugs consistently outperformed placebos in reducing the severity of brain fog, hyperactivity, and executive dysfunction. The final meta-analysis suggested that ADHD drugs appear to help TBI patients with similar symptoms.
Indiana University School of Medicine Study
In 2016, an Indiana University School of Medicine research team led by Brenna McDonald, PsyD, and Thomas McAllister, MD, studied the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral rehabilitation with and without methylphenidate. The six-week study tested 71 participants who had suffered a mild TBI at least four months before.
Researchers split the participants into two groups: one receiving methylphenidate and another receiving a placebo. At the end of the study, the group receiving methylphenidate showed significant improvements in:
- Executive function
- Attention
- Non-verbal learning
- Word list learning
PubMed Meta-Analysis
A 2021 meta-analysis published in the journal Sports Health reviewed studies focused on the use of ADHD medications in TBI patients between 1999 and 2020. Top findings included:
- “ADHD medications resulted in “statistically significant improvement.” This was a 12-week, double-blinded study that tested the efficacy of methylphenidate and galantamine on symptoms associated with mild TBIs and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- “Patients with moderate to severe TBI showed a significant improvement in working memory and sustained attention.” This 2014 30-week study tested the use of methylphenidate in 33 post-TBI adult patients. Researchers analyzed the patients’ reaction time, mental fatigue, and working memory.
Get Help From the Best Neurologist | NYC TBI Doctor
If you’re suffering from the aftereffects of a traumatic brain injury of any severity, you need the best neurologist NYC can offer. Our team at Neurodiagnostics Medical P.C. wants to help you shake off those debilitating symptoms, which is why we offer such a wide range of therapies for TBI. If you’re interested in trying ADHD medications for your TBI or another well-researched avenue, please reach out to us at (347) 602-9530!
While we accept some insurance plans, coverage varies. To confirm your specific plan is accepted, please call our office or email us at info@neuroinjurycare.com to verify your coverage before scheduling your appointment.
Często zadawane pytania
Do you have more questions about traumatic brain injury treatment? We’ve put together answers to some of our most commonly asked questions below.
How Many People Are Hospitalized for TBI Annually?
In 2020, about 214,110 people were hospitalized for TBI, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Males were twice as likely to require hospitalization for TBI and three times more likely to die than female patients. Researchers do not yet understand the specific reasons for this discrepancy.
What Is the Most Common Cause of TBI?
According to the International Brain Injury Association, auto accidents are common causes of TBI, accounting for around 50% of all traumatic brain injuries. Sports-related accidents come in a close second at approximately 300,000 TBIs annually.
Do ADHD Medications Cause Side Effects?
Yes, ADHD medications may cause side effects in some people, such as irritability, trouble falling asleep, increased appetite, paranoia, and headaches. Even so, many find these side effects preferable to living with TBI symptoms. ADHD medications like methylphenidate are also short-acting, so the side effects generally fade quickly after the medicine wears off.
What Are My Treatment Options for a TBI?
Your immediate treatment options for a TBI may include anti-seizure drugs and diuretics, which aim to reduce swelling and pressure in the brain. In some cases, you may need emergency surgery to remove blood clots or repair skull fractures. Thereafter, your various rehabilitation options may include occupational, speech, and physical therapy or memory and attention adaptation training paired with medication.
If you’re considering ADHD medications for your TBI, your doctor should confirm if they’re right for you.
