Ritalin Helps Individuals Recovering From Brain Injury, According to MossRehab Study
Philadelphia, PA, July 26, 2004--Researchers at Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (MRRI) have discovered that Ritalin (Methylphenidate), a drug commonly
used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, may also help improve attention deficits
in individuals recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
"We are both excited and encouraged by the findings of this study and the implications for the treatment of individuals with
brain injury," said John Whyte, MD, PhD, Director, MRRI.
According to Whyte, clinicians have been experimenting with Ritalin for a number of years hoping that the drug would be effective
in treating TBI, where difficulties in attention and concentration are among the most common cognitive impairments. However,
most of these studies, up until now, have not produced any definite conclusions.
The randomized and controlled study at MRRI, funded by the National Institutes of Health, involved 34 individuals with moderate
to severe brain injuries at least three months post injury. Each participant was given Ritalin for one week followed by a
week of a placebo alternately for a total of six weeks. Throughout the trial, the participants were regularly tested in many
different facets of attention ranging from clinical measures of information processing to videotaped recordings of independent
work in distracting environments. The results indicated significant positive effects on the speed of processing information,
attentiveness during individual work tasks and caregiver ratings of the individual’s attention span during a typical day.
The complete study, "Effects of Methylphenidate on Attention Deficits After Traumatic Brain Injury—A Multidimensional, Randomized,
Controlled Trial," was recently published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. For more information
about this study or other MRRI research projects, contact 1-800-CALL MOSS.
Recognized as a national leader in medical rehabilitation, MossRehab provides high-quality, compassionate medical care for
individuals with physical disabilities. MossRehab offers a wide range of specialized services, including comprehensive programs
for brain and spinal cord injury, stroke, amputation and orthopaedic conditions. MossRehab has two main facilities – MossRehab
at Elkins Park at 60 East Township Line Road in Elkins Park, PA, and MossRehab at 1200 West Tabor Road in Philadelphia. It
also operates inpatient units, outpatient sites and various community programs in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. For
more information, call 1-800-CALL MOSS or visit www.einstein.edu/mossrehab.
Publish date: July 26, 2004
