Navigation

 

Severe Spasticity

  • Severe spasticity is spasticity that is problematic, interfering with comfort, function, or caregiving1
  • Even seemingly mild cases of spasticity may be considered severe when they interfere with daily activities, such as dressing or bathing1-2
  • 1.1 million people are affected by severe spasticity2
  • Assessment of spasticity should encompass physical, functional, and quality of life measures. Since severe spasticity is based on functional limitations and comfort, severity of spasticity should be evaluated in terms of functional limitations to a patient, rather than just a numerical rating on an assessment scale—even mild degrees of spasticity can have severe consequences on patients or caregivers3

 

Lioresal® Intrathecal (baclofen injection) is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to baclofen. Implantation of the infusion system is contraindicated if the patient is of insufficient body size, requires a pump implant deeper than 2.5 cm, or, in the presence of spinal anomalies or active infection.

  1. Saulino M, Ivanhoe CB, McGuire JR, et al. Best Practices for Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy: Patient Selection. Neuromodulation. 2016;19(6):607-615.
  2. McGuire JR. Chapter 2: Epidemiology of spasticity in the adult and child. In: Brashear A, Elovic E, eds. Spasticity: Diagnosis and Management. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Demos Medical, 2016.
  3. Spasticity. National Multiple Sclerosis Society website. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Spasticity. Accessed December 7, 2016.

Important Safety Information for Lioresal® Intrathecal (baclofen injection)

Abrupt discontinuation of intrathecal baclofen, regardless of the cause, has resulted in sequelae that include high fever, altered mental status, exaggerated rebound spasticity, and muscle rigidity, that in rare cases has advanced to rhabdomyolysis, multiple organ-system failure and death.

Prevention of abrupt discontinuation of intrathecal baclofen requires careful attention to programming and monitoring of the infusion system, refill scheduling and procedures, and pump alarms. Patients and caregivers should be advised of the importance of keeping scheduled refill visits and should be educated on the early symptoms of baclofen withdrawal. Special attention should be given to patients at apparent risk (e.g. spinal cord injuries at T-6 or above, communication difficulties, history of withdrawal symptoms from oral or intrathecal baclofen). Consult the technical manual of the implantable infusion system for additional postimplant clinician and patient information (see WARNINGS).

Indications and Usage

Contraindications

Select Warnings and Precautions

Adverse Reactions

Common Adverse Reactions

Serious Adverse Reactions

Postmarketing Experience

Use in Specific Populations

For more information, including BOXED WARNING, refer to Lioresal® Intrathecal (baclofen injection) prescribing information.