This initial study demonstrates that the effects of long-term treatment with NSAIDS like ibuprofen after a head injury are poorly understood. "We have to remember these are animal studies, and what we can take home is that we need further examination of potential negative effects in patients," says Smith. "I hope these findings inspire studies in patients to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and potential long-term problems with cognition of chronic ibuprofen use in TBI patients."

In Alzheimer's patients, chronic ibuprofen appears to be beneficial by delaying onset and severity of symptoms. Similarly, chronic ibuprofen therapy in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease reduces plaque build-up in the brain and improves function. However, finding that this same approach to treatment worsens the outcome in an animal model of TBI may have important implications for TBI patients who are often prescribed NSAIDS for chronic pain. With few alternative over-the-counter pain medicines available to these patients, further investigation is essential, says Smith.

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Contact: Karen Kreeger
karen.kreeger@uphs.upenn.edu
215-349-5658
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
21-Jul-2006