Indication and efficacy of ITB treatment in spastic patients

Abstract

Spasticity can occur with various central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Severe spasticity, hypertonus and involuntary movements, together with motor paralysis, can impair voluntary movement, leading to a decrease in activities of daily living (ADL). Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is now being used to treat such patients, and based on its efficacy and safety, ITB therapy now represents an important treatment for spasticity. ITB therapy has been used in more than 1000 patients since its introduction in Japan in 2006, and awareness of this treatment is increasing, although ITB therapy is still only used by a limited number of neurosurgeons. The clear inference is that many patients have yet to receive the benefits of this treatment. This paper, which includes our own experience, discusses the indications for ITB therapy, basic surgical technique, and treatment outcomes. We want to present the most up-to-date information about ITB therapy to neurosurgeons.