Intrathecal baclofen therapy and multiple sclerosis: outcomes and patient satisfaction.
OBJECTIVE
In this study the authors provide an assessment of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy and evaluate patient outcomes and satisfaction.


METHODS
Records for patients with multiple sclerosis who were selected as candidates for ITB therapy were reviewed for their response to test dose, surgical technique, surgery- and pump-related complications, and short- and long-term response to therapy. Family and caregiver assessments of the value of ITB therapy were also reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
Intrathecal baclofen therapy is safe and effective. Most patients and caregivers express satisfaction with the therapy and would recommend it to other patients. Spasm frequency appears to be the single most common variable positively affected by therapy.
Vender
John R
JR
Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA. jvender@mail.mcg.edu
Hughes
Mary
M
Hughes
Betsy D
BD
Hester
Sydney
S
Holsenback
Stephen
S
Rosson
Brenda
B
D001418:Baclofen / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D007278:Injections, Spinal / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009141:Musculoskeletal System / Q000187:drug effects; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D001418:Baclofen