The antiemetic and tranquilizing properties of chlorpromazine have proved to be of great value in the management of acute and postalcoholic states. The high incidence of head injuries in the alcoholic population makes it important to determine whether the use of chlorpromazine, a central nervous system depressant, might be contraindicated in the presence of head injury or whether it may be a more desirable sedative than those currently available. This report concerns its use in the management of patients with head injuries.
MATERIAL
The subjects of the present study were patients admitted to the District of Columbia General Hospital because of head injuries with or without acute alcoholism. All subjects exhibited a disturbed mental condition. After clinical evaluation, 50 to 100 mg. of chlorpromazine was administered, in most instances orally or intramuscularly; in several cases its administration was necessary for the successful completion of diagnostic studies and clinical observations. The