• Alan D Kaye, Se Yun Cheon, Morgan H Roque, Caroline Gibbs, Karlee R Mott, Alex M Wandler, Syeda T Munir, Junyu Lin, Shahab Ahmadzadeh, Harish Siddaiah, Sarah H Myers, Kristin Nicole Bembenick, and Sahar Shekoohi.
• Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neurosciences, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA.
• Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2025 Jan 4; 29 (1): 99.

Purpose Of ReviewBaclofen, a muscle relaxant that reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters in the pre-synaptic neurons stimulating inhibitory neuronal signals in post-synaptic neurons, has been around for over 5 decades. Baclofen is used primarily for spasticity and since 1982, has had a role as an intrathecal agent. In the present investigation, we review research trends and updates on safety and efficacy of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps.Recent FindingsEvaluation of safety and efficacy of ITB pumps in spasticity and relevant conditions was evaluated in the present investigation. PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were used to review appropriate related literature. Commonly reported aspects regarding ITB efficacy include comparison with alternative treatments, maintenance efficacy, and long-term outcomes. Safety considerations and risk factors associated with ITB include postoperative complications, withdrawal symptoms, tolerance issues, long-term management, and contraindications. In summary, the present investigation reveals that ITB is efficacious for muscle spasticity; however, efforts should be made to enhance safety and efficacy by providing improved best practice guidelines on maximum safe dose with the least amount of risk with individualized treatments.© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

22 keywords...

hide…