1. Intrathecal baclofen for dystonia: benefits and complications during six years of experience.
- Author
-
Walker RH, Danisi FO, Swope DM, Goodman RR, Germano IM, and Brin MF
- Subjects
- Adult, Baclofen adverse effects, Female, Humans, Infusion Pumps, Implantable, Injections, Spinal, Male, Middle Aged, Muscle Relaxants, Central adverse effects, Treatment Outcome, Baclofen administration & dosage, Dystonia drug therapy, Muscle Relaxants, Central administration & dosage
- Abstract
Fourteen patients with primary or secondary dystonia received intrathecal baclofen (ITB) through an implanted pump following a trial dose. Patients were selected for ITB trial if they had clinically unsatisfactory responses to oral antidystonic medications, including oral baclofen. Patients were rated using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden rating scale by a blinded rater after the dose of ITB was optimized. Five patients experienced improvement in symptoms as determined by a change in rating scale scores, although only two had a clear clinical benefit. Etiology of dystonia did not determine the efficacy of ITB therapy, as benefit or failure was seen in both primary and secondary dystonia.
- Published
- 2000
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