When a child suffers from brain injury, the ability to produce neurotransmitters—the chemicals that allow the brain to pass on messages—is compromised. The inability to adequately produce and use neurotransmitters can cause some behavioral issues, specifically low frustration levels, increased irritability, and aggression. When behavior becomes an issue with children who have suffered from brain injury, the first course of action is behavior management. When behavior management isn’t adequate, drug therapy may be introduced. The goal of drug therapy is to help the brain produce and use neurotransmitters, which will hopefully result in improved behavior.

There are a wide variety of drugs that may be used following brain injury. The type of drug used is generally based on symptoms that need to be resolved, potential side effects, how long it takes the medication to work, and how the medication can be administered. Drugs typically used after brain injury include:

• Anticonvulsants. Anticonvulsants may improve both mood and impulsivity in people with brain injury. In particular, these drugs have been shown to be helpful in children with violent or aggressive behavior. Results vary from individual to individual, and may take several weeks to determine.

• Antidepressants. Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants increase levels of neurotransmitters, resulting in improved behavior.

• Neuroleptics. Also known as antipsychotic medication, neuroleptics can be used to help children with severe behavior issues.

• Anti-anxiety medicines. These medications may be helpful in patients who are aggressive or frequently agitated.

• Stimulants. Stimulants may be helpful for brain-injured children with attention or concentration issues, and can also help reduce the incidence of seizures.

Your physician can tell you how drug therapy may work for your child, as well as what the potential side effects are. Because drugs can be dangerous when used incorrectly, it’s very important that they are used only under close medical supervision.