Using the Agitated Behavior Scale to Evaluate Restlessness/Agitation Following Traumatic Brain Injury

Restlessness and agitation following traumatic brain injury are potential barriers to successful rehabilitation. Although there are several ways to address the problem, including environmental management, physical restraint, and medication, the type of treatment which would be most appropriate under particular circumstances has not been established. Existing treatment studies often suffer from an emphasis on anecdotal information rather than measurement of restlessness/agitation. Use of the Agitated Behavior Scale would help remedy this situation by allowing more consistent decisions about beginning and altering treatment and providing a measurement device to clarify research results, particularly with respect to the use of medications.