Centre of reference for management of spasticity

Intrathecally administered specific medication constitutes an approved concept of the treatment of spasticity for years. Baclofen, a synthetically produced neurotransmitter (naturally existing in the CNS likewise), in this way is delivered into the intrathecal space (inside the vertebral canal). This special mode of application of baclofen ensures an effective attenuation of the abnormally increased muscle tone. Frequently, intense pain is associated with spasticity which likewise may considerably alleviated by intrathecally administered baclofen. Curiously, a certain type of pain is observed in some spinal cord lesions and spinal cord disorders that emerges independently of spasticity and as yet is not fully clarified with respect to aetiology. However, this peculiar type of pain too may be combatted by intrathecally applied medication acting efficiently upon nervous tissue in the CNS like morphine derivates and clonidine and beyond that is barely creating undesirable effects. These drugs as well as baclofen usually will be administered into the intrathecal space by means of a small catheter inserted in it and a tiny pump connected therewith. Delivered orally (enterally) and as the case may be intravenously these very identical pharmacological substances would provide insufficient impact and would cause undesirable side effects if and when given in dosages that will alleviate pain.