The Effect of Gabapentin in Improvement of Consciousness Level of Traumatic Brain Injury Patients; A Randomized Clinical Trial

Mohammad Reza Najafi, Saeid Abrishamkar, Seyed Ali Sonbolestan

Abstract


Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is known as one of the most important causes of mortality in middle age population. The aim of this study was to evaluate Gabapentin effect in improvement of consciousness level of these patients.

Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was done in March 2008 to September 2009. 60 patients from neurology clinics of Kashani hospital, Isfahan were divided into two groups of 30 subjects as the case and control groups randomly. The groups were treated by 300 mg Gabapentin and placebo twice a day for two weeks. The electroencephalogram (EEG), Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) results and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) findings were evaluated in all patients before and one week after intervention.Results: The means of GCS and GOS before and after treatment were not different significantly between groups. This study showed significant change in EEG patterns after treatment with gabapentin. Conclusion: Gabapentin might not be suggested for management of unconsciousness due to TBI.

 

Keywords: Gabapentin, Traumatic brain injury, Consciousness, Electroencephalography