Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J75643

Journal:


Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 32, 2, E13-E17

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined the rate of prophylactic seizure medication usage following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the extent to which the guidelines for seizure prophylaxis after TBI were followed in a tertiary care level 1 trauma center and affiliated inpatient rehabilitation facility. A retrospective medical records review was conducted of 173 individuals with TBI enrolled in the TBI Model Systems program. Overutilization rate of prophylactic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs); failure to stop rate of AED utilization upon admission to and during inpatient rehabilitation; and duration of overutilization were the main outcomes of interest. Of the 173 participants included, 77 were started on seizure prophylaxis at hospital presentation and 96 were not. Of the 77 participants, 11 had a posttraumatic seizure. Of the 66 remaining, 18 participants (10.4 percent) were continued on AEDs for more than 7 days after injury. Of these 18 participants, 12 were continued on AEDs without indication upon admission to inpatient rehabilitation. Finally, 8 of the 12 were continued on AEDs at discharge from rehabilitation, resulting in a failure to stop rate of 66.67 percent. Results indicate that despite existing guidelines for stopping seizure prophylaxis after TBI, some patients remain on AEDs and may be inappropriately exposed to possible medication side effects. These findings highlight the importance of communication at the time of rehabilitation transfer and the need for ongoing education about AED guidelines.

Author(s):


Zaman, Anwar, Dubiel, Randi, Driver, Simon, Bennett, Monica, Diggs, Vincent, Callender, Librada

Participating Centers: