Neurological manifestations of baclofen withdrawal.
Baclofen is a central nervous system agent that is commonly used for the treatment of muscle spasticity in spinal cord injury patients. Acute withdrawal of this medication can induce the development of neurological symptoms, including seizure disorder, psychosis, hallucinations and visual disturbances. We report 3 cases of acute central nervous system symptoms that developed in spinal cord injury patients. Each patient had been chronically maintained on a baclofen regimen to control muscle spasticity. Symptoms developed shortly after baclofen therapy was interrupted following genitourinary surgery. It is important that urologists become familiar with the symptomatology of baclofen withdrawal, the methods of its prevention and the appropriate therapy should the syndrome develop.
Rivas
D A
DA
Department of Urology, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Chancellor
M B
MB
Hill
K
K
Freedman
M K
MK
D000328:Adult; D001418:Baclofen / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004172:Diplopia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004832:Epilepsy, Absence / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D011605:Psychoses, Substance-Induced / Q000209:etiology*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*
D001418:Baclofen