373
Views
16
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Research Article

Timing of intrathecal baclofen therapy in persons with acquired brain injury: Influence on outcome

, , , , &
Pages 1671-1675 | Received 27 Jul 2012, Accepted 22 Jul 2013, Published online: 02 Oct 2013
 

Abstract

Objective: Evaluation of the effects of intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB) delivered by a pump implanted at a very early stage in acquired brain injury (ABI).

Study design: This investigation was a longitudinal prospective observational study, including a series of 13 ABI implanted within 6 months of the acute events.

Main outcome measure: The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Spasms Frequency Score (SFS) have been used as a primary outcome measure. The Disability Rating Scale (DRS) and Level of Cognitive Functioning (LCF) scores have been computed in order to verify possible interferences of baclofen therapy at an early stage on a global outcome. An intrathecal bolus test was not performed. Drug tolerability was tested by oral administration of baclofen 100 mg.

Results: Reduction of spasticity and spasms frequency were measured 3 months after patients received the implant and at the 1-year follow-up. There was no difference found for global outcome measure between the group of patients who received the implant earlier (within 3 months) compared to the group who received it later (between 3–6 months).

Conclusion: ITB therapy in ABI should be considered as early as possible. The implants are safe and effective in reducing spasticity. An intrathecal bolus test was not compulsory in ABI.

Log in via your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

PDF download + Online access

  • 48 hours access to article PDF & online version
  • Article PDF can be downloaded
  • Article PDF can be printed
USD 65.00 Add to cart

Issue Purchase

  • 30 days online access to complete issue
  • Article PDFs can be downloaded
  • Article PDFs can be printed
USD 727.00 Add to cart

* Local tax will be added as applicable

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.