A 10-year follow-up study of patients with severe traumatic brain injury and dysautonomia treated with intrathecal baclofen therapy

Abstract

Recovery of good long-term consciousness is possible. A low level of consciousness recovery and the early development of severe and persistent symptoms of dysautonomia associated with hypertonia could be linked to poor long-term outcome.

Treatment of severe, disabling spasticity with continuous intrathecal baclofen therapy following acquired brain injury: the experience of a tertiary institution in Singapore

“…(28,29) Neither of these were reported in our sample at any time during follow-up. This could be explained by the relatively younger age of our patients, relative absence of severe medical comorbidities and good psychosocial support.…”

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

“…These symptoms are difficult to manage and they very often require deep sedation of patients [5]. These findings have been confirmed by another study [17].…”

How does dysautonomia influence the outcome of traumatic brain injured patients admitted in a neurorehabilitation unit?

“…The best evidence for treatment efficacy is for intrathecal baclofen [6]. A recent study by Hoarau et al revealed that the alleviation of dysautonomic symptoms with intrathecal baclofen showed a long-term improvement in patients with disorders of consciousness [22]. However, due to the paroxysmal course of the PSH and its reversibility, this invasive procedure is left for cases with a poorer response to conventional drugs such as beta blockers.…”