Author

Year

Country

Research Design

PEDro

Sample Size

Chatham Showalter & Kimmel

(2000)

USA

Case Series

N=29

Population: TBI; Mean Age=48.2yr; Mean Time Post Injury=28.6d.

Intervention: A retrospective chart review of patients receiving divalproex treatment in an attempt to reduce symptoms of agitation following injury. Symptoms of agitations included easily aggravated, escalating temper, biting, punching, restless, etc.

Outcome Measure: Agitated Behaviour Scale (ABS).

1.         Eight patients had treatment with divalproex (mean 714 mg) that led to rapid resolution of symptoms and near total recovery.

2.         For a second subgroup of patients(n=18), progress notes prior to and during treatment demonstrated decreased and significant improvement in symptoms within 7d of receiving divalproex (mean dose 1,257 mg).

3.         Most patients were discharged to their homes (n=23) or to other community sites (n=4).