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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: August 5, 2014
The effects of Donepezil on traumatic brain injury acute rehabilitation outcomes
W Walker1, R Seel, M Gibellato
1Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, USA.
Primary Objective:
To evaluate the effects of administering Donepezil during inpatient rehabilitation for individuals with TBI.
Research Design:
Retrospective, age and injury severity matched, mixed between-within subjects analysis.
Methods And Procedures:
Thirty-six patients with moderate-to-severe TBI admitted to acute rehabilitation within 90 days of injury. Main outcome measures included FIM cognitive total scores and rehabilitation lengths of stay.
Intervention:
Initiation of Donepezil administration beginning at 5 mg daily. Dose titration and continuation based on perceived clinical response.
Main Outcomes And Results:
No differences in cognitive improvement were observed between the Donepezil treatment group and the matched control group. Sub-set analyses suggested that administration of Donepezil early in the rehabilitation stay was significantly related to higher rates of cognitive improvement.
Conclusions:
Preliminary evidence suggests that Donepezil administration early in the rehabilitation stay may have advantageous treatment effects. A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with standard timing, dosage and treatment duration is recommended to further evaluate treatment efficacy.
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