2004 suplement 2

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Volume 13, suplement 2

Interdisciplinary problems of spasticity

Intrathecal baclofen in severe spasticity of various origin

GÜNTER OCHS1
1. Department of Neurology, Klinikum Ingolstadt, Germany
Postępy Psychiatrii i Neurologii, 2004, suplement 2 (18), 71-74
Keywords: spasticity, baclofen

Abstract

Aim. To present the principles and applications of intrathecal baclofen treatment for spasticity of various origin.

Review. Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) introduced for the first time in 1984, is widely used in the treatment of severe spasticity of various origin. Baclofen is delivered via an intrathecal catheter from an implantable pump that allows to control the dosage over many years. Numerous reports have evidenced beneficial effects of the treatment in patients with spasticity of spinal, cerebral, or mixed origin. Significantly positive treatment outcomes were noted also in patients suffering from conditions other than the classical recommendations, i.e. sclerosis multiplex, spinal cord injury, cerebral trauma, cerebral palsy, or dystonia. Neurogenic dysfunction of the urinary bladder; locomotion and mobility should be assessed both in the testing stage and over a long period of time. Undesirable side-effects are seldom reported.

Address for correspondence:
Adres: Prof. Günter Ochs, Dept. Neurology, Klinikum Ingolstadt, Krumenauer Str. 25, D-85049 Ingolstadt, e-mail: guenter.ochs@khzvi.de