Clinical consultation: nonpharmacologic management of agitated behaviors after traumatic brain injury

Agitation after traumatic brain injury: a review of current and future concepts in diagnosis and management

OBJECTIVES

Agitation and aggression are common following traumatic brain injury. The challenges related to these disorders affect all stages of recovery, from the acute hospital to the community setting. The aim of this literature review is to provide an updated overview of the current state of post-traumatic agitation research.

METHODS

We performed a PubMed literature review which included recent confirmatory and novel research as well as classic and historical studies to integrate past and future concepts.

RESULTS

Areas explored include the personal and societal effects of post-traumatic agitation, methods for defining and diagnosing several neurobehavioral disorders, and pathophysiology and management of agitation and aggression. Target areas for future study are identified and discussed.

DISCUSSION

While much progress has been made in understanding post-traumatic agitation, there remain several key areas that require further elucidation to support the care and treatment for people with traumatic brain injury.

Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Agitation during Post-Traumatic Amnesia following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

Agitation is common in the early recovery period following traumatic brain injury (TBI), known as post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). Non-pharmacological interventions are frequently used to manage agitation, yet their efficacy is largely unknown. This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for agitation during PTA in adults with TBI. Key databases searched included MEDLINE Ovid SP interface, PubMed, CINAHL, Excerpta Medica Database, PsycINFO and CENTRAL, with additional online reviewing of key journals and clinical trial registries to identify published or unpublished studies up to May 2020. Eligible studies included participants aged 16 years and older, showing agitated behaviours during PTA. Any non-pharmacological interventions for reducing agitation were considered, with any comparator accepted. Eligible studies were critically appraised for methodological quality using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Instruments and findings were reported in narrative form. Twelve studies were included in the review: two randomized cross-over trials, three quasi-experimental studies, four cases series and three case reports. Non-pharmacological interventions were music therapy, behavioural strategies and environmental modifications, physical restraints and electroconvulsive therapy. Key methodological concerns included absence of a control group, a lack of formalised agitation measurement and inconsistent concomitant use of pharmacology. Interventions involving music therapy had the highest level of evidence, although study quality was generally low to moderate. Further research is needed to evaluate non-pharmacological interventions for reducing agitation during PTA after TBI.Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO (CRD42020186802), registered May 2020.

Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Agitation during Post-Traumatic Amnesia following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

Agitation is common in the early recovery period following traumatic brain injury (TBI), known as post-traumatic amnesia (PTA). Non-pharmacological interventions are frequently used to manage agitation, yet their efficacy is largely unknown. This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for agitation during PTA in adults with TBI. Key databases searched included MEDLINE Ovid SP interface, PubMed, CINAHL, Excerpta Medica Database, PsycINFO and CENTRAL, with additional online reviewing of key journals and clinical trial registries to identify published or unpublished studies up to May 2020. Eligible studies included participants aged 16 years and older, showing agitated behaviours during PTA. Any non-pharmacological interventions for reducing agitation were considered, with any comparator accepted. Eligible studies were critically appraised for methodological quality using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Instruments and findings were reported in narrative form. Twelve studies were included in the review: two randomized cross-over trials, three quasi-experimental studies, four cases series and three case reports. Non-pharmacological interventions were music therapy, behavioural strategies and environmental modifications, physical restraints and electroconvulsive therapy. Key methodological concerns included absence of a control group, a lack of formalised agitation measurement and inconsistent concomitant use of pharmacology. Interventions involving music therapy had the highest level of evidence, although study quality was generally low to moderate. Further research is needed to evaluate non-pharmacological interventions for reducing agitation during PTA after TBI.

Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO (CRD42020186802), registered May 2020.

Effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for managing agitation during post-traumatic amnesia following traumatic brain injury: a systematic review protocol

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize current evidence on the effects and harms of non-pharmacological interventions for managing agitation during post-traumatic amnesia in adults who have sustained a traumatic brain injury.

INTRODUCTION

Agitation is one of the most disruptive and clinically significant sequelae observed during post-traumatic amnesia. Patients who experience agitation during this period demonstrate reduced engagement in rehabilitation and poorer long-term functional outcomes. Agitation also poses a risk to staff and patient safety. Research for the effects of pharmacological intervention for managing agitation during this period is inconclusive. Thus, synthesis of the research for non-pharmacological interventions for reducing agitation during post-traumatic amnesia is essential for improving long-term outcomes for survivors of traumatic brain injury.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Studies will be considered if they include participants aged 16 years and older who exhibit agitated behaviors during post-traumatic amnesia after sustaining a traumatic brain injury (irrespective of severity or mechanism). Studies will be considered if they evaluate any non-pharmacological intervention for reducing agitation, with all types of comparators accepted. Primary outcomes of interest include a change in agitation severity and any adverse effects.

METHODS

Key information sources include MEDLINE Ovid SP interface, PubMed, CINAHL, Excerpta Medica Database, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Studies published in English will be included, irrespective of publication year. Two independent reviewers will be involved in study selection and data extraction. Eligible studies will be critically appraised for methodological quality. Studies will be pooled with statistical meta-analysis where possible; otherwise findings will be reported in narrative form.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42020186802.

Monitoring Agitated Behavior After acquired Brain Injury: Onset, Duration, Intensity, and Nursing Shift Variation

PURPOSE

To describe the onset, duration, intensity, and nursing shift variation of agitated behavior in patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) at a rehabilitation hospital.

DESIGN

Prospective descriptive study.

METHODS

A total of 11 patients with agitated behavior were included. Agitated behavior was registered with the Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS). The nurse or therapist allocated the individual patient assessed ABS during each shift. Intensity of agitated behavior was tested using exact test. A within-subject shift effect was analyzed with repeated-measure ANOVA.

FINDINGS

The onset of agitated behavior was at a median of 14 (1-28) days from admission. Seven patients remained agitated beyond 3 weeks from onset. Severe intensity of agitation was observed in 86 of 453 nursing shifts. Differences in agitated behavior between day, evening, and night shifts were found, F(2.20) = 7.90, p = .008, with tendencies of increased agitated behavior in day and evening shifts compared to night shifts.

CONCLUSION

Agitated behavior had a late onset, was severe, and long-lasting in the present sample of patients.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The study increases awareness on the potential challenge of agitated behavior in patients with ABI.