Intrathecal baclofen for long-term treatment of spasticity: a multi-centre study. |
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| Authors: | G Ochs A Struppler B A Meyerson B Linderoth J Gybels B P Gardner P Teddy A Jamous P Weinmann |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Neurology, Technische Universität, Munich, Federal Republic of Germany. |
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| Abstract: | Twenty eight patients with severe, intractable spasticity have been treated by chronic intrathecal administration of baclofen. An implantable programmable drug-administration-device (DAD) was used with a permanent intrathecal catheter. Infusion of 50 to 800 micrograms/day of baclofen completely abolished spasticity. Follow-up was up to two years. Therapeutic effect was documented by clinical assessment of tone, spasms and reflexes and by electrophysiological recordings of mono- and polysynaptic reflex activity. Complications and untoward side-effects of the procedure were few. This procedure is recommended for spasticity of spinal origin refractory to physiotherapy and oral medication. It is a preferable alternative to ablative surgical intervention. |
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