Limiting restraint use for behavior control: the brain injury rehabilitation unit as a model

Physical or pharmacologic restraints are often used to control the behavior of patients who are agitated or who demonstrate behavior that is inappropriate or potentially dangerous. Centers that specialize in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation treat many patients who manifest agitated behavior. This article reviews behavior management within a brain injury rehabilitation setting and describes less restrictive restraint systems. A case study of the management of an agitated patient with traumatic brain injury is presented. Possible future trends in the use of restraint systems are discussed.