The neurotransmitters involved in the process of recovery of consciousness after TBI. In this regard, the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment after brain injury is possible. Data on the use of antidepressants in the treatment of traumatic brain injury are contradictory; children are not studied enough.

To investigate the efficacy of SSRIs (Sertraline) in the mental recovery in the early period of the neurorehabilitation after TBI in children.

Forty children (5–18 years) with severe TBI (GCS ≤ 8). All children had interdisciplinary approach and standard medications in early rehabilitation. Group 1 (23 children) - in the early period additionally administered sertraline. Group 2 (17 children) - without sertraline. Methods: psychiatric and neurological; data of neuropsychological, radiological and scales.

Group 1: a vegetative state (VS) - 4 (children), minimal consciousness (MC) “−” - 6, minimal consciousness (MC) “+” - 7, amnestic confusion - 3, cognitive and emotional deficits - 3. Sertraline administered 12.5mg/day in the morning, with increasing dose over 3 days to 25-50mg/day. Duration of reception - an average of 3-4 months. Group 2: a VS - 4 (children), MC“−” - 5, MC“+” - 3, amnestic confusion - 3, cognitive and emotional deficits - 2. In 3 months mental recovery to a stage of emotional and cognitive deficits was in 48% of children with sTBI during treatment with Sertraline, compared with 35% in the control group. Positive dynamics was diagnosed by neuropsychological scales.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have a positive effect on recovery from traumatic brain injury in children. SSRIs (Sertraline) improves mental functions - to increases the motor activity and emotional activity, motivation, cognitive functions. Early rehabilitation after severe traumatic brain injury becomes more effective in children with medical treatment by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.