Experience with external pump trial prior to implantation for intrathecal baclofen in ambulatory patients with spastic cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate effectiveness and safety of intrathecal baclofen administration (ITB) testing with continuous infusion via an external pump before the implantation of an internal one in ambulatory spastic patients with cerebral palsy (CP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven CP patients (3 diplegic, 4 quadriplegic - 18.4+/-7.0 years) with a progressive decrease in walking ability were included. Assessments included: Ashworth's scale, Observational Gait Scale (OGS), and GMFM-66. RESULTS: During the ITB test (45-150 microg/24h), spasticity decreased by more than two points on Ashworth's scale (p<0.001) and walking ability improved (median OGS increased from 7 to 9, p

Keywords:

• Neurological disorder
• Baclofen
• Cerebral palsy
• Ambulatory
• Anesthesia
• Spastic
• Spastic cerebral palsy
• Spasticity
• Central nervous system disease
• Surgery
• Medicine

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