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J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1989;52:933-939 doi:10.1136/jnnp.52.8.933
  • Research Article

Intrathecal baclofen for long-term treatment of spasticity: a multi-centre study.

  1. G Ochs,
  2. A Struppler,
  3. B A Meyerson,
  4. B Linderoth,
  5. J Gybels,
  6. B P Gardner,
  7. P Teddy,
  8. A Jamous,
  9. P Weinmann
  1. Department of Neurology, Technische Universität, Munich, Federal Republic of Germany.

      Abstract

      Twenty eight patients with severe, intractable spasticity have been treated by chronic intrathecal administration of baclofen. An implantable programmable drug-administration-device (DAD) was used with a permanent intrathecal catheter. Infusion of 50 to 800 micrograms/day of baclofen completely abolished spasticity. Follow-up was up to two years. Therapeutic effect was documented by clinical assessment of tone, spasms and reflexes and by electrophysiological recordings of mono- and polysynaptic reflex activity. Complications and untoward side-effects of the procedure were few. This procedure is recommended for spasticity of spinal origin refractory to physiotherapy and oral medication. It is a preferable alternative to ablative surgical intervention.

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