Aseptic meningitis after intrathecal baclofen injection

D Bensmail1, A Peskine, P Denys

  • 1Service de Médecine Physique et Réadaptation, Hôpital R Poincaré, Garches, France.

Spinal Cord
|September 21, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Aseptic meningitis is a rare complication following intrathecal baclofen injections. This condition presents with fever and meningeal signs but resolves spontaneously within days.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Intrathecal baclofen is used for spasticity management.
  • Test injections precede long-term pump implantation.

Observation:

  • Two patients developed fever and meningeal symptoms within 24 hours of intrathecal baclofen test injections.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed no infection but revealed a neutrophil-predominant inflammatory response.

Findings:

  • The cases suggest chemical meningitis as a complication of intrathecal baclofen.
  • Symptoms resolved spontaneously within 3-4 days without specific treatment.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider chemical meningitis in patients with aseptic meningitis after intrathecal baclofen.
  • Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology of this rare complication.

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