Beneficial behavioural effects of lamotrigine in traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Anti-convulsant medications have been employed to treat behavioural disorders resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, there is a paucity of literature investigating the use of lamotrigine to treat aggression and agitation in patients with TBI. In a single case study design, the present study examined the effectiveness of lamotrigine to treat aggressive and agitated behaviour in a 40-year-old male who sustained a severe TBI. A substantial decrease in problematic behaviours and a significant improvement in neurobehavioural functioning were observed after lamotrigine treatment. This case study provides some support for the use of lamotrigine to treat aggression and agitation in patients with a TBI. Further research is needed to examine the relationship between lamotrigine and functional outcome after TBI.