Amantadine: a potential treatment for the minimally conscious state.

Pharmacologic strategies have been advocated to enhance the neurorehabilitation of persons with severe traumatic brain injury. Dopaminergic pathways have been felt to play a significant role in arousal. Employing single case design methodology we present the case of a survivor of severe traumatic brain injury who appeared to have a dose dependent response to the pro dopaminergic medication amantadine. Further research is necessary to clarify the role of pharmacotherapy in the improvement of functional outcome.