Amantadine Use in Post-Concussive Headaches: An Exploratory Retrospective Review (P5.024)

Objective: To assess the effect of amantadine on treating post-concussive symptoms. Background: Traumatic brain injury is a major cause of disability worldwide, particularly in young adults. The subsequent development of post-concussion syndrome can result in a wide range of potentially debilitating symptoms that include headaches, dizziness, cognitive dysfunction, and mood disorders. Data about potentially helpful medications are limited, particularly about the treatment of post-concussive headaches. Amantadine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist and indirect dopamine agonist, may have a beneficial effect in reducing symptoms in patients with traumatic brain injury and post-concussive syndrome. Design/Methods: This retrospective medical record review analyzed data collected from patients with a diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome in Neurology and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation clinics to evaluate symptom response to amantadine. Results: Forty patients (60% male, average age was 34 years) were prescribed amantadine for post-concussive symptoms following traumatic brain injury. A complete trial of amantadine was defined as 100 mg twice per day for two months. Headaches were improved in eighty percent (80%) of the 22 patients that completed a full trial of amantadine. Improvements were less dramatic in other symptoms such as inattention, memory loss, dizziness, and personality changes. Conclusions: Amantadine shows promise as a treatment for post-concussive syndrome, especially for headaches that are refractory to other medications. Disclosure: Dr. Ryan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Carabenciov has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bureau has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cutrer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Savica has nothing to disclose.