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

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1989 Aug;52(8):933-9. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.52.8.933.

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.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Baclofen / administration & dosage*
  • Catheters, Indwelling
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infusion Pumps
  • Injections, Spinal / instrumentation
  • Male
  • Microcomputers
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Neurons / drug effects
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy
  • Muscle Spasticity / drug therapy*
  • Muscle Tonus / drug effects
  • Muscles / innervation
  • Reflex, Abnormal / drug effects
  • Spasm / drug therapy
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / drug therapy

Substances

  • Baclofen