At a glance
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Dopamine Receptor Imaging to Predict Response to Stimulant Therapy in Chronic TBI
In Brief
A Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating Methylphenidate for Cognition Disorder and 2 related conditions. Completed, enrolled 11 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
Deficits in memory, attention, cognitive, and executive functions are the most common disabilities after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Dopamine (DA) neurotransmission is implicated in these neural functions and dopaminergic pathways are recognized to be frequently disrupted after TBI. Methylphenidate increases synaptic DA levels by binding to presynaptic dopamine transporters (DAT) and blocking re-uptake. The objectives of this study are to use PET imaging with \[11C\]-raclopride, a D2/D3 receptor ligand, before and after administering methylphenidate, to measure endogenous DA release in patients who are experiencing problems with cognition, attention and executive function in the chronic stage after TBI. In addition, we will use TMS to test short intracortical inhibition, a gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor A (GABAA) - mediated phenomenon, which is under partial DA control, as a measure of dopaminergic activity on and off
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Subjects will be treated with oral methylphenidate, using a forced titration up to a dose of 30 mg given twice daily for 4 weeks. At that point, the neuropsychologic tests are repeated.