title: Prolonged anti-spasticity effects of bolus intrathecal baclofen.
abstract: Anecdotal patient reports have suggested prolonged benefit from the initial bolus dose of intrathecal baclofen (bolus ITB) that have not been evident on the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). This case study assessed this effect utilizing surface electromyography (SEMG) as an adjunct to clinical observations. Overall, SEMG recordings were consistent with MAS findings. However, SEMG also revealed a marked and persisting reduction in abnormal muscle activity for 96 hours post-bolus ITB, well beyond the pharmacological washout period of baclofen in the CSF.
authors.affiliation: Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service, Westmead Hospital, Wentworthville, NSW, Australia. ianb@biru.wsahs.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: I J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Baguley
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Slewa-Younan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001418:Baclofen / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D008297:Male; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D001418:Baclofen