Road traffic accidents are known to be the main cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is also a leading cause of death and disability. This study, by means of the idiographic approach (single-case experimental designs using multiple-baseline designs), has examined whether methylphenidate (MPH - trade name Ritalin) had a differential effect on cognitive measures among patients with TBI with the sequel of acute and chronic post-concussion syndromes. The effect on gender was also explored. In comparison with healthy controls, patients with TBI (acute and chronic) and accompanying mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were screened for their integrity of executive functioning. Twenty-four patients exhibiting executive dysfunction (ED) were then instituted with the pharmacological intervention methylphenidate (MPH). The methylphenidate was administered using an uncontrolled, open label design. The administration of methylphenidate impacted ED in the TBI group but had no effect on mood. Attenuation of ED was more apparent in the chronic phases of TBI. The effect on gender was not statistically significant with regard to the observed changes. To our knowledge, this is the first feasibility trial from the Arabian Gulf to report the performance of a TBI population with mild cognitive impairment according to the IQCODE Arabic version. This investigation confirms anecdotal observations of methylphenidate having the potential to attenuate cognitive impairment; particularly those functions that are critically involved in the integrity of executive functioning. The present feasibility trial should be followed by nomothetic studies such as those that adhere to the protocol of the randomized controlled trial. This evidence-based research is the foundation for intervention and future resource allocation by policy- or public health decision-makers.

中文翻译：

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哌醋甲酯可改善脑外伤患者的执行功能：通过独特的方法进行的可行性试验。

众所周知，道路交通事故是颅脑外伤（TBI）的主要原因。TBI也是导致死亡和残疾的主要原因。这项研究通过独特的方法（使用多基线设计的单例实验设计），检查了哌醋甲酯（MPH-商标名为Ritalin）是否对TBI急性和继发续集患者的认知指标有不同的影响。慢性脑震荡后综合征。还探讨了对性别的影响。与健康对照相比，对TBI（急性和慢性）并伴有轻度认知障碍（MCI）的患者进行执行功能完整性的筛查。然后对24名表现为执行功能障碍（ED）的患者进行药理学干预哌醋甲酯（MPH）。使用不受控制的开放标签设计施用哌醋甲酯。哌醋甲酯的施用影响了TBI组的ED，但对情绪没有影响。在TBI的慢性期，ED的衰减更为明显。就观察到的变化而言，对性别的影响在统计学上不显着。据我们所知，这是来自阿拉伯海湾的第一个可行性试验，该报告根据IQCODE阿拉伯语版本报告了轻度认知障碍的TBI人群的表现。这项研究证实了哌醋甲酯有可能减弱认知障碍的传闻。特别是那些与执行功能的完整性至关重要相关的功能。在目前的可行性试验之后，应进行常规研究，例如那些遵循随机对照试验方案的研究。这项基于证据的研究是政策或公共卫生决策者进行干预和未来资源分配的基础。