[Spinal baclofen in trigeminal neuralgia. A case report.].

Abstract

Oral baclofen, the most often prescribed antispastic drug, has been shown to be effective in trigeminal neuralgia. Spinal application of baclofen leads to a complete supression of spasticity even in cases in which no previous oral antispastic medication achieved a response. Since these results suggest that spinal administration of baclofen is superior to oral baclofen, spinal injections of this drug (100 mug) were tested in a patient with severe trigeminal neuralgia that was unresponsive to oral medication. This was followed by complete suppression of the neuralgic symptoms, which however reoccurred if baclofen administration was stopped. Spinal baclofen has also been effective during long-term infusion with an implanted pump for more than 1 year. Spinal baclofen infusion seems to be a possibility in the treatment of severe trigeminal neuralgia resistant to other forms of therapy.

• Authors: A Wechsung, H Müller, H Müller
• Journal: Schmerz (Berlin, Germany) (Schmerz) Vol. 5 Issue 4 Pg. 250-3 (Dec 1991) ISSN: 0932-433X [Print] Germany
• PMID: 18415180 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)