Multi-national trial shows effectiveness of amantadine in treatment of traumatic brain injury

A study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed a breakthrough in the treatment of patients in vegetative and minimally conscious states. The study showed that the drug amantadine hydrochloride, currently used for Parkinson’s disease, accelerated the pace of functional recovery during active treatment in patients with post-traumatic disorders of consciousness. The study, funded by a 5-year, $3 million grant from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, involved 184 patients at 11 clinical trial sites in three countries. Study leader, Joseph T. Giacino, Director of Rehabilitation Neuropsychology at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, said, "The results of this study provide convincing evidence that it is possible to increase the speed of recovery from severe traumatic brain injury when treatment is initiated within four months of onset. These findings engender optimism for a medical condition that is often viewed as untreatable."