Rationale:
Environmental measures such as shielding and reassurance should be the first choice for managing agitation in all patients. Possible causes of agitation must always be assessed and treated according to current guidelines.
In neurorehabilitation, the use of benzodiazepines and neuroleptics should be avoided after the initial stabilization phase unless there are specific indications for their use.
References:
- Plantier D, Luaute J. Drugs for behavior disorders after traumatic brain injury: Systematic review and expert consensus leading to French recommendations for good practice. Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2016 Feb;59(1):42-57.
- Luaute J, Plantier D, Wiart L, Tell L. Care management of the agitation or aggressiveness crisis in patients with TBI. Systematic review of the literature and practice recommendations. Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2016 Feb;59(1):58-67.