[New treatment for spasticity--intrathecal baclofen therapy]

Since its introduction in the late 1980s, intrathecal baclofen(ITB) therapy has become the standard treatment for severe generalized spasticity of both spinal and cerebral origin. More than 50,000 pumps were implanted in the world. Long term efficacy of ITB therapy is excellent, although it is frequently associated with complications such as infections, catheter malfunctions, and cerebrospinal fluid leaks. There are some reports of death with withdrawal, overdose and infection. For a good results we need to discuss factors involved in selecting the appropriate treatment modalities for the individual. The treatment of these patients is optimized in the setting of a multidisciplinary team.