Prolonged anti-spasticity effects of bolus intrathecal baclofen

Abstract

Anecdotal patient reports have suggested prolonged benefit from the initial bolus dose of intrathecal baclofen (bolus ITB) that have not been evident on the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). This case study assessed this effect utilizing surface electromyography (SEMG) as an adjunct to clinical observations. Overall, SEMG recordings were consistent with MAS findings. However, SEMG also revealed a marked and persisting reduction in abnormal muscle activity for 96 hours post-bolus ITB, well beyond the pharmacological washout period of baclofen in the CSF.

• Traumatic brain injury
• spasticity
• intrathecal baclofen 2