BACLOFEN UNUSUAL RESPONSE IN SPINAL CORD INJURY PATIENTS

Authors

  • Sami Ullah Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Maha Edrees Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Ahmad Mushabbab Alhabtar Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, King Faisal Medical City, Abha, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Spasticity after spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major problem that can limit the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. Oral baclofen is more frequently used in treating spasticity than other antispasmodic agents due to its proven overall efficacy. Herein, we are reporting two SCI patients who reported unusual response to baclofen. Case 1 (28-year-old male) his injury was classified as T3 AIS-A. Case 2 (36-year-old male) his injury was classified as T4 AIS-A. Both cases reported worsening of spasms with the initiation of baclofen and the rapid improvement upon discontinuing the medication. The effect was dose-dependent as reported by both of our patients. Our impression is a rebound spasm secondary to baclofen as evident by the severity of spasm and spasticity that were directly proportional to the baclofen dose. Awareness of this reversible side effect is essential for its management. Moreover, it might provide a clue to understanding the mechanism of action of baclofen.Keywords: Spasticity; Spasms; Baclofen; Spinal Cord Injury; Rehabilitation; Case Series

Author Biographies

Sami Ullah, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

MBBS,FCPS(PM&R)

Maha Edrees, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

MBBS

Ahmad Mushabbab Alhabtar, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, King Faisal Medical City, Abha, Saudi Arabia

Consultant Physiatrist and Spinal Cord Injury MedicineFAFRM(RACP)

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Published

2019-03-15

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 2 (2019): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE, ABBOTTABAD

Section

CASE SERIES

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