Amantadine Use in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Neurological Rehabilitation

Background:

• Amantadine, an NMDA receptor antagonist with dopaminergic activity, was historically used for Influenza A and Parkinson's disease.
• Emerging evidence suggests amantadine's potential in managing traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review preclinical and clinical literature on amantadine for TBI management.
• To synthesize pharmacologic mechanisms, efficacy, dosing, and safety data.
• To provide a framework for amantadine's clinical application in TBI.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies.
• Analysis of pharmacologic mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy.
• Evaluation of dosing strategies and safety profiles.

Main Results:

• Clinical trials indicate amantadine accelerates consciousness recovery and improves functional outcomes in TBI patients, especially in the subacute phase.
• Demonstrated benefits and a generally favorable safety profile were observed.
• Significant heterogeneity in patient selection, dosing, and treatment duration was noted.

Conclusions:

• Amantadine is a promising adjunctive therapy for TBI, particularly for disorders of consciousness.
• Further standardization of treatment algorithms is needed for optimal application.
• This review consolidates evidence to guide responsible and effective use in neurological rehabilitation.