Intrathecal baclofen as a treatment for spasticity: Review of the cases treated in our hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Spasticity represents a medical problem whose incidence is increasing during the last years due to pathologies such as cerebral palsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, trauma or encephalopathy, affecting both adults and children. The treatments include rehabilitation, pharmacotherapy and surgery, among which we highlight intrathecal baclofen infusion devices.

Material and methods: Intrathecal baclofen devices implanted patients in Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela from 2005 to 2018 were selected for retrospective analysis using assessment of spasticity scales, such as Ashworth scale. Complications are described.

Results: Surgery was performed in 17 patients for baclofen pump implant, achieving an improvement of 2 points on the Ashworth Scale in 88,2% of the patients and of 1 point on the Penn Scale in 94%. Complications were seen in 3 patients.

Conclusions: Intrathecal baclofen is a simple technique with good results for improving the quality of life of patients with spasticity.

Keywords: Ashworth; Baclofen; Baclofeno; Espasticidad; Spasticity; Surgical treatment; Tratamiento quirúrgico.