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Baclofen withdrawal presenting as irritability in a developmentally delayed child
C Anthoney Lim1, Sandra J Cunningham
1Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine
|December 20, 2012
Summary
Irritable children may have serious underlying issues. A case report highlights a malfunctioning baclofen pump causing pain and crying in a developmentally delayed adolescent, emphasizing diagnostic and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Medical device malfunction
- Developmental pediatrics
Background:
- Childhood irritability presents a wide diagnostic spectrum.
- Comorbid conditions and developmental delay complicate irritability assessment.
- Intrathecal baclofen pumps are used for spasticity management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of irritability due to baclofen pump malfunction in a developmentally delayed child.
- To outline diagnostic and management strategies for similar cases.
- To highlight the importance of considering device issues in unexplained symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 14-year-old developmentally delayed male.
- Clinical presentation of pain and crying.
- Diagnostic evaluation including assessment of the implanted baclofen pump.
- Medical and surgical management of the malfunction.
Main Results:
- The patient's pain and crying were attributed to a malfunctioning baclofen pump.
- Successful surgical repair of the device resolved the symptoms.
- The case underscores the need for vigilance regarding implanted device function.
Conclusions:
- Malfunctioning intrathecal baclofen pumps can manifest as irritability and pain in children.
- A systematic approach is crucial for diagnosing device-related issues in complex pediatric cases.
- Prompt medical and surgical intervention is key to effective management.
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