Intrathecal baclofen therapy: an update.
Intrathecal administration of baclofen is a well-established technique for modulating hypertonia secondary to upper motor neuron pathology. Despite the nearly 2 decades of widespread clinical use, this intervention presents many challenges to even experienced clinicians. The purpose of this clinical review is to describe some of the intricacies and subtleties of this treatment strategy. This narrative provides an overview of 3 topics: (1) an alternative methodology for intrathecal baclofen trials; (2) an algorithmic approach to troubleshooting intrathecal delivery systems; and (3) the utility of neurophysiologic assessments within various phases of intrathecal baclofen therapy.
Francisco
Gerard E
GE
University of Health Science Center-Houston, the Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, Houston, TX, USA.
Saulino
Michael F
MF
Yablon
Stuart A
SA
Turner
Michael
M
D001418:Baclofen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018755:GABA Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D009122:Muscle Hypertonia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D018755:GABA Agonists; D001418:Baclofen