Intrathecal baclofen for long-term treatment of spasticity: a multi-centre study.
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.
Ochs
G
G
Department of Neurology, Technische Universität, Munich, Federal Republic of Germany.
Struppler
A
A
Meyerson
B A
BA
Linderoth
B
B
Gybels
J
J
Gardner
B P
BP
Teddy
P
P
Jamous
A
A
Weinmann
P
P
D000328:Adult; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007260:Infusion Pumps; D007278:Injections, Spinal / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008838:Microcomputers; D008875:Middle Aged; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000187:drug effects; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009129:Muscle Tonus / Q000187:drug effects; D009132:Muscles / Q000294:innervation; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal / Q000187:drug effects; D013035:Spasm / Q000188:drug therapy; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy
D001418:Baclofen