The treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness with modafinil after traumatic brain injury is well documented. In the following article, we discuss its use in the treatment of sleep disorders, fatigue, and excessive daytime sleepiness. The authors include patients with sleep disorders and traumatic brain injuries. Also included is a patient with traumatic brain injury. They present case studies on the efficacy of modafinil.
Treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness after traumatic brain injury:
The effect of modafinil on post-traumatic excessive daytime sleepiness was evaluated in a retrospective pilot study. The study included patients with traumatic brain injury and prolonged disorders of consciousness. The effects of modafinil on daytime sleepiness were note at weeks four and ten. The drug was well tolerate and reduce sleepiness in both groups. Its side effects were not significant.
Patients with TBI typically report increase sleep requirements, but some experience increased daytime sleepiness. Excessive daytime sleepiness is typically referto as hypersomnia. A new term, pleiosomnia, is being propose to describe increased sleep demands per 24-hour period. The problem with patients who have TBI is that they tend to underestimate their sleep requirements, and the severity of daytime sleepiness increases in patients who do not get enough sleep.
The effects of EDS are widespread, and its occurrence is not limit to people with traumatic brain injury. It is also common among people with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders. A detailed history will be important when negotiating the diagnosis. The patient may have other problems besides excessive daytime sleepiness that are related to EDS. But the benefits of the drug are clear: it reduces EDS.
Treatment of insomnia after traumatic brain injury
The use of Modafinil is a promising new treatment for the fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness caused by TBI. In a pilot study, it reduced daytime sleepiness by a significant margin in TBI patients, as measured by a fatigue severity scale. Moreover, it improved cognitive function and reduced fatigue. Further, the study also showed that Modalert reduced excessive daytime sleepiness after TBI.
The study was support by the Moody Foundation and Cephalon, Inc., two companies involve in the manufacture of Modafinil. The authors declare no conflict of interest. Modafinil has been approve for the treatment of narcolepsy and shift-work sleep disorder. It also has clinical evidence for treating multiple sclerosis-relate fatigue. Nonetheless, further research is need to confirm its efficacy for these conditions.
A study conducted in adults with traumatic brain injuries found that Modalert 200 significantly reduced daytime sleepiness and decreased the risk of depression and hyperactivity. The results of the study also showed that the medication also reduced symptoms of arousal and irritability.
Treatment of fatigue after traumatic brain injury
The use of modafinil to treat post-TBI fatigue is a well-recognize treatment option. The results of two trials involving 60 participants have provided strong evidence for its efficacy. These studies have been conduct in both healthy volunteers and patients with TBI. Although they were conduct in different populations, the results suggest that modafinil may help patients with chronic or severe post-TBI fatigue.
This study was a phase II, single-center trial. Participants were randomly assign to take either 200 mg of modafinil or an equal number of inactive placebo tablets. The outcome was measure with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and fatigue severity scale. Participants also complete an assessment of their symptoms. After 90 days, modafinil was significantly associate with less fatigue. The researchers concluded that this treatment may improve cognitive function in TBI patients.
The study used a bioequivalent form of modafinil, armodafinil. Modafinil is FDA-approve for treating excessive daytime sleepiness, shift work sleep disorder, and narcolepsy. It is also used for treating some types of multiple sclerosis-related fatigue. In addition to its efficacy, the drug has been used in several other studies
