The Effect and Chronic Acute Pre-Treatment with Methylphenidate on Recovery of Cognitive Function Following Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury In Rats

• Main Author: Eakin, Katharine Coryell
• Format: Others
• Published: VCU Scholars Compass 2006
• Subjects: MPH; disability; ADHD; reflex; Psychology; Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Online Access: http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/755; http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1754&context=etd

Adolescent and young adult males are at a higher risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to the general population. Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is also more prevalent for males in these age groups. The most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD is methylphenidate (MPH). Based on the increase in the number of new diagnoses of ADHD and the number of children who continue taking MPH into adulthood, it is important to evaluate how chronic or acute MPH administered prior to injury may influence recovery following TBI. In both studies, cognitive abilities of male Sprague-Dawley rats were assessed on post-injury using the Morris Water Maze. There was no effect of chronic MPH treatment on cognitive outcome following TBI. In contrast, acute MPH pre-treatment improved cognitive outcome as measured by the MWM. The MPH + injury group reached sham-injury levels on days 4 and 5 in the MWM.