Affiliations: [a] Department of Psychology, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada | [b] Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Correspondence:
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Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, 1341 Summer Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4K4. Tel.: +1 902 473 1258; Fax: +1 902 473 6466
Abstract: Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects of methyl-phenidate (Ritalin) in the treatment of prolonged low arousal state following a severe brain injury. To implement a behavioural program, designed to train communication skills to this patient. Study design:A single case withdrawal design was conducted in a hospital setting with a patient with a severe brain injury. Titrated doses of Ritalin were administered, and a modified arousal scale was designed to monitor the patient's status. Results:Results indicated improvements in arousal during the treatment phase. This improvement in arousal allowed implementation of a behavioural program, designed to train communication skills to this patient. Following the neurobehavioural program reliability for yes and no responses increased to 58% and 73% respectively. Conclusions:Improvement in arousal was achieved which allowed implementation of a behavioural program, designed to train communication skills to this patient.
