Neuropharmacologic management of behavior sequelae in head injury: a case report

A patient with traumatic head injury was confused, agitated, and belligerent. Initial treatment with sedatives (diazepam) and antipsychotics (haloperidol and thioridazine hydrochloride) did not diminish this irritability or destructive behavior. A single case experimental methodology was adopted to evaluate the behavioral response to other sequentially introduced neuroactive drugs. Methylphenidate produced increased agitation. No response was noted to propranolol. Lithium, however, was associated with significant calming of the patient, successful completion of rehabilitation, and discharge to home where the patient safely cared for himself while his wife worked.