Posted on September 6, 2001 at 3:21 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) researchers have determined that continuous infusion of the drug Baclofen directly to the spine can reduce involuntary, abnormal muscle movement common to patients following a stroke. In a paper published this week in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association, Dr. Jay Meythaler, professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at UAB, reported that intrathecal Baclofen therapy (ITB) reduces and controls spastic hypertonia in stroke patients.

ITB therapy involves a pump implanted in the abdomen that continuously infuses the drug Baclofen directly to the spinal cord. The pump, manufactured by Medtronic Inc., is a lightweight, refillable device that holds up to 90 days supply of Baclofen, a drug that is known to help control spastic hypertonia.

“Baclofen is a very effective medication for controlling spastic hypertonia, an abnormal muscle movement disorder that affects many stroke patients,” said Meythaler. “But there are side effects when the drug is taken orally that we are able to bypass by direct injection to the spinal cord. And by using the pump, we can administer drug to the affected side of the body where it’s needed, and not to the unaffected side.

The study focused on 17 patients who received the Baclofen pump and were followed for up to one year. All 17 showed marked improvement in limb movement and muscle function.

“Our findings suggest that ITB therapy allows more freedom of movement and potential for improved function when combined with a therapy program after the ITB pump placement,” reported Meythaler.