Methylphenidate Mitigation of Aphasia After Traumatic Brain Injury

Methods Two former policemen hospitalized for evaluation and treatment of complaints of depression showed marked deficits in speech latency, fluency and word finding. Both had multiple cognitive deficits following traumatic brain injury (TBI) that ended their careers several years prior. They showed no response to antidepressants or electroconvulsive therapy. Oral methylphenidate 10-20 mg twice daily was then given for depression. Results Methylphenidate did not affect mood or cognitive function but improved speech to be within normal range. The patients then complained copiously about longstanding frustrations and disempowerments following traumatic brain injury. Conclusions By rapid mitigation methylphenidate illuminated aphasia following traumatic brain injury. Searches found no previous report of methylphenidate decrease of aphasia following traumatic brain injury.