Symptoms consistent with dysfunction of the frontal lobes can occur
following traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other types of acquired brain
injury (stroke, aneurysm). These symptoms can include problems with
short-term memory, attention, planning, problem solving, impulsivity,
disinhibition, poor motivation, and other behavioral and cognitive deficits
("frontal lobe syndrome"). These symptoms may respond to certain drugs,
such as dopaminergic agents. This case series describes results of using
amantadine in 7 patients with this type of symptom profile (6 with TBI, 1
with meningitis following sinus surgery). Patients received
neuropsychiatric examinations and serial neuropsychological testing. All
patients showed some degree of positive response. One had side effects that
resolved upon discontinuation of drug. The rationale for using
dopaminergics is discussed, and pertinent literature is reviewed.Abstract Teaser