[Bromocriptine in disorders of consciouness due to traumatic brain injury]

The aim of this study was to assess the results and adverse effects of bromocriptine in patients with traumatic brain injury-vegetative state (TBI-VS) or traumatic brain injury-minimally conscious state (TBI-MCS).

We conducted a retrospective review of 10 patients, six with TBI-VS and four with TBI-MCS. All patients received bromocriptine at a starting dose of 2.5mg twice daily. Bromocriptine was titrated up to 7.5 or 12.5mg twice daily according to response and was maintained for at least 4 weeks. Various assessment scales were used in the following stages: before bromocriptine administration, at 4 weeks post bromocriptine prescription, and at hospital discharge. The assessment scales used were the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R), Disability Rating Scale, Glasgow Coma Scale, Barthel Scale, and Marshall Scale.

Of the 10 patients, four with TBI-MCS and four with TBI-VS achieved a score of 23 points at discharge in the CRS-R, thus emerging from VS or MCS and regaining functional status. There were only two patients who emerged from VS but remained in MCS (8 to 11 and 5 to 10 points in CRS-R).

Considering the poor prognosis for recovery in these patients, bromocriptine use has a positive risk-benefit ratio at a dosage of at least 7.5mg twice daily for 4 weeks.