Non-pharmacological intervention in post-traumatic amnesia, a systematic review

Abstract

Survivors of traumatic brain injury may experience a transient state of confusion and global disturbance of cognitive-behavioural functioning called post-traumatic amnesia. To describe the characteristics, methodological quality and main results of studies that have analysed the impact of non-pharmacological interventions in the treatment of symptoms associated with post-traumatic amnesia. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was carried out on papers published in the PubMed and PsycInfo databases over the last 20 years (2000-2020). The methodological quality of the articles was assessed using the PEDro scale. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, of the 1,036 potentially interesting articles, eight met the eligibility criteria, four of which were randomised clinical trials. The interventions applied were grouped as follows: structured retraining of activities of daily living (four studies), reality orientation programme (two studies), Perceive, Recall, Plan and Perform system (one study) and therapeutic application of music (one study). Seven of the eight articles reviewed showed positive or partially positive results. According to the results obtained, there is evidence that non-pharmacological interventions have positive effects on reducing the cognitive-behavioural signs and symptoms associated with post-traumatic amnesia.