Naltrexone: effects on motor function, speech, and activities of daily living in a patient with traumatic brain injury

Authors: Calvanio R.¹; Burke D. T.¹; Kim H.J.¹; Cheng J.¹; Lepak P.¹; Leonard J.¹; Dwyer M. A.¹; Gavande V.²

Source: Brain Injury, Volume 14, Number 10, 1 October 2000 , pp. 933-942(10)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $34.29 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Evidence from many studies has suggested that endogenous opioid peptides participate in a number of pathophysiological responses to brain injury. This provides the rationale for the use of opioid antagonists for the enhancement of neural recovery after brain injury. A case is presented of an 18-year-old male who had loss of consciousness for 1 month after a severe brain injury. Three months of intensive rehabilitative therapies did not change his functional status. A trial of naltrexone was given while his performance in mobility, speech and overall Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores were monitored. Results indicate an accelerated improvement in functional status and statistically improved FIM score.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital 2: University of Texas

Publication date: 2000-10-01

More about this publication?