Brooke et al.

(1992)

USA

RCT

PEDro=7

N=21

Population: TBI; Severity of Injury: GCS Score <8.

Treatment: Patients randomized to either propanol (n=11; 60 mg/day, max 420 mg) or placebo (n=10).

Outcome Measure: Overt Aggression Scale.

1.        Control group had more intense episodes of agitation than the treatment group (p<0.05).

2.        No significant differences between the two groups in terms of agitation episodes/wk.

3.        More participants in the control group were placed in restraints during the study (p<0.05).

4.        There were no differences between the two groups in the numbers receiving sedating drugs or drugs for agitation.

Greendyke et al.

(1986)

USA

RCT

PEDro=7

N=10

Population: Mean Age=52 yr; Gender: Male=9, Female=0; Mean Time Post Injury=7.8 yr.

Treatment: Patients received long-lasting propranolol (520 mg/day) or a placebo. After 11 wk, the groups were crossed-over.

Outcome Measure: Assaultive behaviour, Supplemental psychotropic medication, daily behaviour, Nurses Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation.

1.        Significantly fewer assaults and attempted assaults occurred during the 11 wk propranolol treatment as compared to the 11 wk of placebo (p<0.05).

2.        No significant changes in social interests, irritability or psychomotor retardation were noted. No abnormalities were noted on laboratory measures.