Intrathecal baclofen for dystonia: benefits and complications during six years of experience.
Fourteen patients with primary or secondary dystonia received intrathecal baclofen (ITB) through an implanted pump following a trial dose. Patients were selected for ITB trial if they had clinically unsatisfactory responses to oral antidystonic medications, including oral baclofen. Patients were rated using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden rating scale by a blinded rater after the dose of ITB was optimized. Five patients experienced improvement in symptoms as determined by a change in rating scale scores, although only two had a clear clinical benefit. Etiology of dystonia did not determine the efficacy of ITB therapy, as benefit or failure was seen in both primary and secondary dystonia.
Walker
R H
RH
Department of Neurology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
Danisi
F O
FO
Swope
D M
DM
Goodman
R R
RR
Germano
I M
IM
Brin
M F
MF
D000328:Adult; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004421:Dystonia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D001418:Baclofen