Neurotransmitters in the treatment of patients with severe head injuries.

Results of treatment with L-dopa and/or physostigmine of patients with severe head injuries were examined and discussed. This treatment given to patients still unconscious a long period after trauma resulted in clinical improvement in 29 of the 45 trials (64%). Results were poor in patients with a low motor score and no paradoxical response on the caloric oculogram. In nearly all patients motor activity increased, but did not always result in clinical improvement. The results were explained by the presence of functional, reversible dysfunctions present in the majority of patients in the course of recovery.