Abstract
Aim. The management of spasticity and its clinical consequences requires continuous research with a view to developing new strategies. The aim of this paper is to present the author's experience with intrathecal baclofen ill fusion in the treatment of children with the spastic bilateral form of cerebral palsy.
Subjects and methods. Ten patients (aged from 12 to 21 years) with implanted baclofen pumps underwent clinical (the Ashworth scale), functional (GMFM) and neurophysiological (EMG tests) assessment before and at the time of baclofen infusion. The technical procedure of the pump implantation and methods of monitoring the patients are presented. The follow-up period varied from 6 to 20 months.
Results. In all the patients a statistically significant reduction of spasticity was found on the basis of clinical and neurophysiological observations. Spasticity reduction appeared at first in the lower leg muscles, and later on in upper legs. The optimal time for the establishing the final baclofen dose ranged from 3 to 6 months.
Conclusion. The presented results suggest that clinical effectiveness of intrathecal baclofen is very promising.