Long-term intrathecal Baclofen infusion in supraspinal spasticity of adulthood.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate long-term results of chronic intrathecal Baclofen infusion on the spasticity, on the spasms and to evaluate the side-effects of the intrathecal Baclofen in patients with supraspinal spasticity.


METHODS
Fourteen patients with severe progressive refractory to medical therapy spasticity were evaluated after chronic intrathecal Baclofen infusion performed by implantation of subcutaneous pump. The patients had suffered traumatic or anoxic acquired brain injuries. The clinical evaluation was made using Ashworth Scale (AS) and the Spasm Frequency Scale (SFS).


RESULTS
The intrathecal therapy showed a statistically significant improvement of the tone and of the spasms.


CONCLUSIONS
The intrathecal infusion of Baclofen seems to be an effective treatment in patients with supraspinal spasticity.
Dario
A
A
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Insubria, Italy. dario.alessandro@virgilio.it
Di Stefano
M G
MG
Grossi
A
A
Casagrande
F
F
Bono
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D023261:Glasgow Outcome Scale; D006801:Humans; D002534:Hypoxia, Brain / Q000150:complications; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D013035:Spasm / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors
D001418:Baclofen