title: Intrathecal baclofen for dystonia: benefits and complications during six years of experience.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Neurology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
authors: R H
authors: RH
authors: Walker
authors: F O
authors: FO
authors: Danisi
authors: D M
authors: DM
authors: Swope
authors: R R
authors: RR
authors: Goodman
authors: I M
authors: IM
authors: Germano
authors: M F
authors: MF
authors: Brin
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D001418:Baclofen