Continuous intrathecal baclofen for severe spasticity.

Baclofen is the most effective drug for the treatment of rigidity and spasms caused by damage to the spinal cord, but frequently, relatively little relief is afforded and dose is limited by central side-effects. To improve the efficiency of drug delivery 6 patients received implantable programmable pumps with a catheter going into the lumbar subarachnoid space. Baclofen, at doses of 12 micrograms to 400 micrograms per day, was given for up to 7 months. With intraspinal treatment there was an immediate reduction of muscle tone to normal levels, and spontaneous spasms were eliminated. Patients experienced less discomfort, and daily activities were more easily accomplished.