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We studied the effect of the intrathecal infusion of baclofen,an agonist of gamma-aminobutyric acid,on abnormal muscle tone and spasms associated with spinal spasticity,in a randomized double-blind crossover study.Twenty patients with spinal spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal- cord injury who had had no response to treatment with oral baclofen received an intrathecal infusion of baclofen or saline for three days.The infusions were administered by means of a programmable pump implanted in the lumbar subarachnoid space.Muscle tone decreased in all 20 patients (mean[plus or minus SD]Ashworth score for rigidity,from 4.0 plus or minus 1.0 to 1.2 plus or minus 0.4;p<0.0001),and spasms were decreased in 18 of the 19 patients who had spasms(mean[plus or minus SD]score for spasm frequency,from 3.3 plus or minus 1.2 to 0.4 plus or minus 0.8;P<0.0005). Tests for motor function,neurologic examination,and assessments by the patients correctly indicated when baclofen was being infused in all cases. All patients were then entered in an open long-term trial of continuous infusion of intrathecal baclofen.During a mean follow-up period of 19.2 months(range,10 to 33),muscle tone has been maintained within the normal range(mean Ashworth score,1.0 plus or minus 0.1)and spasms have been reduced to a level that does not interfere with activities of daily living (mean spasm score,0.3 plus or minus 0.6).No drowsiness or confusion occurred,one pump failed,and two catheters became dislodged and had to be replaced.No infections were observed.Our observations suggest that intrathecal baclofen is an effective long-term treatment for spinal spasticity that has not responded to oral baclofen. |
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antispasticity drugs
baclofen
flexor spasm
gamma amino butyric acid-mimetic drug
intrathecal antispasticity drugs
multiple sclerosis
multiple sclerosis,treatment of
paraparesis,spastic
spasticity
spasticity,treatment of
spinal cord,injury of
spinal cord,injury,management of
treatment of neurologic disorder
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