No abstract

Study design: Retrospective analysis. Objectives: To evaluate the e cacy of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) for upper extremity spastic hypertonia in tetraplegia of spinal origin. Setting: University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital. Methods: The medical records of 14 individuals with tetraplegia of spinal origin who underwent intrathecal baclofen pump placement were reviewed. The e ects of intrathecal baclofen on spasm frequency, deep tendon re¯exes, and tone (Ashworth scale) were assessed for the upper and lower extremities for a 1-year follow-up period.Results: There were statistically signi®cant declines in upper extremity spasm scores (1.8 points, P=0.012), re¯ex scores (1.4 points, P50.0001) and Ashworth scores (0.6 points, P50.0001) for the 1-year follow-up period. For the lower extremities, all decreases were signi®cant (P50.0001). There was also a statistically signi®cant (P50.0001) increase in intrathecal baclofen dosage requirements during the 1-year follow-up period to maintain the reductions in spasm frequency, re¯exes and tone. Conclusions: Intrathecal baclofen is a safe and e ective intervention for treating upper extremity hypertonia of spinal origin. In addition, the level of intrathecal catheter placement is felt to be of importance. Spinal Cord (2001) 39, 413 ± 419

SummarySpinal cord seizures are infrequently reported. They have been associated with intravenous dye placement, transverse myelitis and multiple sclerosis, but never with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). We report the case of a 48-year-old SCI male with complete C6 quadriplegia, and apparent spinal cord seizures.