Sections
Complementary and Integrative Treatments: Introduction | Framework of Physiological Mechanisms | General Principles for Integrative Treatments in
TBI | Cholinergic Enhancing Agents | Nutrients and Vitamins | Herbal Treatments | Nootropics | Neurotherapy | Mind-Body Practices | Mood Disorders, Anxiety, PTSD, Insomnia, Apathy,
Fatigue, Anger | Conclusion | Key Clinical Points | Recommended Readings | References
Excerpt
Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are
often left with residual deficits, disabilities, and reduced quality
of life despite having received conventional treatments. Integrative
treatments combining medication, rehabilitation, and complementary
approaches are being developed to optimize patient outcomes (Brown et al. 2009). Complementary and alternative medicine includes
herbs, nutrients, nootropics, mind-body practices, neurotherapy,
and lifestyle changes. Patients seek alternative approaches when
standard treatments are insufficient or cause intolerable side effects.
In general, complementary treatments have fewer side effects and
may ameliorate fatigue, cognitive dysfunction (attention, concentration,
and executive functions), memory impairment, and aphasias. Furthermore,
in our experience, psychological sequelae, such as anxiety, depression,
anger, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may respond better
to complementary treatments in TBI patients, who are prone to adverse
effects from psychotropic medications. Indications for complementary
treatments are proposed in Table 39–1.