Intrathecal baclofen for dystonia: benefits and complications during six years of experience.

Abstract

Fourteen patients with primary or secondary dystonia received intrathecal baclofen (ITB) through an implanted pump following a trial dose. Patients were selected for ITB trial if they had clinically unsatisfactory responses to oral antidystonic medications, including oral baclofen. Patients were rated using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden rating scale by a blinded rater after the dose of ITB was optimized. Five patients experienced improvement in symptoms as determined by a change in rating scale scores, although only two had a clear clinical benefit. Etiology of dystonia did not determine the efficacy of ITB therapy, as benefit or failure was seen in both primary and secondary dystonia.

• Authors: R H Walker, F O Danisi, D M Swope, R R Goodman, I M Germano, M F Brin
• Journal: Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society (Mov Disord) Vol. 15 Issue 6 Pg. 1242-7 (Nov 2000) ISSN: 0885-3185 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11104213 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Muscle Relaxants, Central
• Baclofen

Topics

• Adult
• Baclofen (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Dystonia (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Infusion Pumps, Implantable
• Injections, Spinal
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Muscle Relaxants, Central (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Treatment Outcome