Continuous intrathecal baclofen infusion by a programmable pump in 131 consecutive patients with severe spasticity of spinal origin.

We began this study to determine the efficacy and safety of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) delivered by a programmable pump for the treatment of severe spasticity of spinal cord origin. One hundred fifty two patients with severe spasticity of spinal origin, refractory to oral baclofen, or who experienced intolerable side-effects were given a test dose of ITB. Only those who had a satisfactory response were considered to be appropriate for pump implantation.