INTRODUCTIONIntrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is a proven, effective treatment for disabling cortical spasticity. We describe the fi rst local series of fi ve patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) who received ITB and were followed up for 63.8 months.METHODS A retrospective review of medical and rehabilitation records of patients who received ITB therapy was carried out. Data studied included baseline demographic and injury variables, implantation data, spasticity and function, ITB dosage over time and complications.RESULTS From 2006 to 2010, a total of fi ve patients received ITB therapy via implanted pumps about 39.4 months after ABI. Four out of fi ve patients experienced signifi cant reductions in their lower limb spasticity scores and improvements in global function and dependency. One patient had minor adverse events associated with baclofen-related sedation. The mean ITB dose at one year was 182.7 ± 65.6 mcg/day. CONCLUSION Our preliminary study showed encouraging long-term outcomes and safety for ITB therapy after ABI-related intractable spasticity. Individual ITB responses over time were variable, with gender differences. The outcomes experienced by our centre were comparable to those in the general ABI population, supporting the effi cacy of ITB therapy for chronic disabling spasticity.
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