Comparison of Haloperidol and Dexmedetomidine for Delirium and Agitation in ICU Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury

Haloperidol will be administered intravenously at a dose of 2.5 milligrams every eight hours over ten minutes. Treatment will begin 48 hours after admission to the intensive care unit and will continue for up to seven days or until delirium and agitation resolve. The need for additional sedation will be addressed with intravenous midazolam and fentanyl as required. The patient's clinical status will be monitored using standardized assessments including the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit and the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale.

Dexmedetomidine will be administered by continuous intravenous infusion at a dose of 0.5 micrograms per kilogram. Treatment will begin 48 hours after admission to the intensive care unit and will be repeated every other day for up to seven days or until delirium and agitation resolve. Rescue sedation may be provided with intravenous midazolam and fentanyl as clinically indicated. Delirium and agitation will be assessed regularly using validated tools such as the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit and the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale.