Navigation

Diagnosing Severe Spasticity

In patients presenting with spasticity, a thorough history and physical examination, electromyography, determination of nerve conduction velocities, or imaging studies of the head, neck, and spine may be useful in eliminating treatable causes of increased tone.1  

In patients with a known neurologic condition, particularly those known to cause spasticity (ie, brain or spinal cord injury [SCI], multiple sclerosis [MS], cerebral palsy [CP], stroke) a thorough history and physical examination is necessary to rule out triggers that can exacerbate spasticity (eg, medication changes, infections, stress).1

Radiographs are especially important in the insensate patient with SCI or the cognitively impaired patient with brain injury if occult fractures are present. Radiography can also provide evidence of bowel impaction. In addition, other studies, such as laboratory tests (eg, complete blood count [CBC], liver function tests), genetic tests, and culturing of urine, blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may help to rule out infection or determine differential diagnosis.1

Assessment of spasticity should encompass physical, functional, and quality of life measures that are evaluated by the clinician and reported by the patient and/or their caregiver. This includes identifying which muscles or muscle groups are overactive and determining the effect of spasticity on all aspects of patient function, including mobility and activities of daily living (ADLs). Assessments should include evaluation of tone, mobility, strength, balance, endurance, and the need, if any, for assistive devices, as well as spasticity-related pain and quality of life.2-5

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 4 have not been established. Lioresal® Intrathecal should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Patients With Severe Spasticity May Present in Different Ways7

Learn more about assessment of spasticity severity here.

  1. Sheean G. Chapter 21: Diagnostic evaluation of adult patients with spasticity. In: Brashear A, Elovic E, eds. Spasticity: Diagnosis and Management. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Demos Medical Publishing, LLC, 2016.
  2. Reeves S, Lambeth K. Chapter 15: The role of physical and occupational therapy in the evaluation and management of spasticity. In: Brashear A, Elovic E, eds. Spasticity: Diagnosis and Management. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Demos Medical Publishing, LLC, 2016.
  3. Walker HW, Hon AJ, Kirschblum S. Chapter 23: Spasticity due to disease of the spinal cord: pathophysiology, epidemiology, and treatment. In: Brashear A, Elovic E, eds. Spasticity: Diagnosis and Management. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Demos Medical Publishing, LLC, 2016.
  4. Ivanhoe CB, Durand Sanchez AV. Chapter 4: Ancillary findings associated with spasticity. In: Brashear A, Elovic E, eds. Spasticity: Diagnosis and Management. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Demos Medical Publishing, LLC, 2016.
  5. Elovic E. Chapter 5: Measurement tools and treatment outcomes in patients with spasticity. In: Brashear A, Elovic E, eds. Spasticity: Diagnosis and Management. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Demos Medical Publishing, LLC, 2016.
  6. Nair KP, Marsden J. The management of spasticity in adults. BMJ. 2014;349:g4737.
  7. Saulino M, Ivanhoe CB, McGuire JR, et al. Best practices for intrathecal baclofen therapy: patient selection. Neuromodulation. 2016;19(6):607-615.

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.