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Control of spasticity by implantable continuous flow morphine pump.
Neurosurgery
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Intrathecal morphine sulfate, delivered via continuous flow pumps, effectively relieved severe pain and spasticity in patients. This finding led to pump implantation for prolonged spasticity control and further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Continuous flow pumps are utilized for intrathecal and epidural delivery of morphine sulfate for pain management.
- Some patients present with concurrent pain and spasticity, or spasticity severe enough to be the primary source of pain.
Observation:
- A low dose of 1-2 milligrams of intrathecal morphine sulfate was observed to provide dramatic relief from both spasticity and associated pain.
- Three patients experiencing intense spasticity and pain showed significant improvement with this treatment.
Findings:
- Intrathecal morphine sulfate administration resulted in rapid and substantial reduction of spasticity and pain.
- Successful pump implantation in three patients demonstrated prolonged control over spasticity following the initial observation.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential novel therapeutic application for intrathecal morphine sulfate in managing complex pain and spasticity syndromes.
- Further clinical investigation is warranted to elucidate the physiological mechanisms underlying this effect and to establish long-term efficacy.
- This approach may offer a new treatment option for patients with refractory spasticity and pain unresponsive to conventional therapies.