Treatment of cerebral origin spasticity with continuous intrathecal baclofen delivered via an implantable pump: long-term follow-up review of 18 patients.

OBJECT: The goal of this study was to assess the long-term benefits of managing severe spasticity by using continuous infusion of intrathecal baclofen delivered via an implantable pump. METHODS: Eighteen patients with severe spasticity of cerebral origin, who failed to respond adequately to more conservative treatments, have-been treated with continuous infusion of intrathecal baclofen delivered via an implanted pump. Follow-up review of these patients has lasted between 12 months and 9 years. The patients have been assessed using a variety of tools. Seventeen have had a significant reduction in tone and all have benefited by a reduced need for nursing care or increased function or both. CONCLUSION: Long-term continuous infusion of intrathecal baclofen delivered via an implantable pump offers an effective method for dealing with otherwise intractable spasticity.