Pharmacological Modification of Recovery Following Brain Injury

Abstract

&NA; Individuals with brain injury typically present for rehabilitation with numerous physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments, which requires an interdisciplinary treatment approach. While traditional rehabilitation often transpires over a prolonged time period, recent fiscal constraints have limited the amount of time many individuals receive services, necessitating the development of novel treatment approaches that enhance the recovery process. Results of research examining the impact of pharmacological intervention on functional and cognitive outcomes following brain injury has provided a potential means to augment traditional rehabilitation efforts. Many drugs have been found to have deleterious effects on recovery while others have a potential beneficial impact on function. Manipulation of the noradrenergic, dopaminergic, and acetylcholinergic systems results in altered recovery patterns in both animals and humans. The article will review both the animal and human evidence documenting the pharmacological impact on recovery as well as the role of the therapists providing rehabilitation to individuals receiving drug treatment.