title: Intrathecal baclofen in the treatment of adult spasticity.
abstract: Medical management of adult spasticity, a condition of increased muscle tone and deep tendon reflexes, is often challenging and complex. Oral medications such as baclofen often have unacceptable supraspinal side effects at effective doses. Intrathecal baclofen delivered by an implanted catheter and pump system provides good relief of spasticity while overcoming these limitations. In this paper the authors survey the use of oral and intrathecal baclofen therapy, detail the surgical process, and explain the risks and benefits of the procedure.
authors.affiliation: Section of Neurosurgery, University of Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.forename: Richard D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Penn
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D007278:Injections, Spinal / Q000379:methods; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012306:Risk
chemical_list: D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D001418:Baclofen