Cognitive Disorders after Traumatic Brain Injury

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

A cognitive disorder

is a problem with certain brain functions. A TBI often damages the front part of the brain. This is the part used for thinking and memory. A cognitive disorder can get better, stay the same, or get worse over time.

Signs and symptoms of a cognitive disorder:

You may have any of the following all the time or only with certain activities:

• Trouble paying attention, thinking clearly, remembering things, or doing 2 tasks at the same time
• Trouble sleeping or feeling tired all the time
• Changes in your appetite
• Poor balance
• Problems with your ability to smell, taste, hear, or see things
• Trouble staying warm or cool
• Anxiety, depression, or trouble being patient or controlling your emotions

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

• You want to harm yourself or others.

Seek immediate care if:

• You fell because you lost your balance.
• You have a severe headache that does not respond to pain medicine.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your doctor if:

• You are sleepy during the day even with enough sleep at night.
• You have new or worsening symptoms.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment:

A cognitive disorder cannot be cured. Your healthcare provider may recommend medicines to help decrease some TBI symptoms, such as headaches. A headache can make symptoms of a cognitive disorder worse.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Haldol
• amantadine
• Fanapt
• haloperidol
• Haldol Decanoate

Manage a cognitive disorder:

• Go to therapy as directed. A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength and decrease pain. A speech therapist teaches you ways to improve your speech and memory. An occupational therapist teaches you skills to help with your daily activities. A mental health therapist can help you control your emotions.
• Help your memory. Write things down often. Use a calendar or an appointment book to remind you of tasks you need to do each day. Set up a daily routine.
• Get enough sleep and rest. Do not rush back to your daily activities. Your healthcare provider can help you create a plan to return to work or other activities. Your provider can also help you create a sleep schedule. Both lack of sleep and too much sleep can make a cognitive disorder worse. Your provider may tell you how much sleep you should get within 24 hours, including naps.

Follow up with your doctor or neurologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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