Intrathecal baclofen therapy: an update

PM R. 2009 Sep;1(9):852-8. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2009.07.015.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Baclofen / administration & dosage*
  • GABA Agonists / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Infusion Pumps, Implantable
  • Injections, Spinal
  • Muscle Hypertonia / drug therapy*
  • Muscle Spasticity / drug therapy
  • Radiography, Interventional
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • GABA Agonists
  • Baclofen