Background
Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is an effective treatment for severe spasticity. In ambulatory patients with spasticity, it is
possible that ITB treatment may compromise ambulatory function by unmasking underlying muscle weakness. This retrospective
study is designed to determine the long–term ambulatory function in patients receiving ITB.
Methods
Thirty–six patients with severe spasticity previously screened for response to ITB were implanted with programmable pumps
that allowed for continuous infusion of ITB. Patients were followed after implantation from 1 to 13 years.
Results
All 36 patients had decreased spasticity and retained ambulatory function. Three of the 36 patients eventually became paraplegic
related to underlying disease progression.
Conclusion
ITB therapy may be used in selected ambulatory patients with spasticity and is not associated with loss of ambulatory function.
Key words intrathecal baclofen - ambulatory patients - spasticity