Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: August 5, 2014
Management of Traumatic Brain Injury Sequelae With Alpha-2 Adrenergic Receptor Agonists
Jamie L Ott1, Thomas K Watanabe
1Author Affiliations: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (Dr Ott); and Clinical Director - Drucker Brain Injury Center, Co-Director - Stroke Rehabilitation Program, Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania (Dr Watanabe).
Objective:
To describe clinical uses of the class of alpha-2 receptor agonist medications in the treatment of traumatic brain injury sequelae. Clinicians treating patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) will often see patients who have been prescribed alpha-2 agonists or may consider initiating use.
Design:
Narrative review.
Conclusion:
This class of medication has a number of different indications (and side effects), and drugs within this class also have some unique properties that can be important factors in clinical decision-making. Although this class of medications has been available for many years, there is still much emerging information that is pertinent for the treatment of patients with TBI.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and...
01:25Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
01:22Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of ɑ-Receptor Blockers
α1-blockers: These drugs inhibit α1-adrenoceptors on smooth muscle cells, resulting in vasodilation. This vasodilation lowers blood pressure, making α1-blockers valuable in treating hypertension. Additionally,...
01:30Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions
At the neuromuscular junction, these agents work by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, allowing it to remain bound to the receptor and bind to nearby receptors. This process leads to repetitive firing of the endplate, causing muscle...
01:11Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses