Intrathecal baclofen infusion in patients with spasticity and neurogenic bladder disease

Abstract

Nine severely spastic men suffering from neurogenic bladder disease resulting from spinal cord lesion or multiple sclerosis were treated with continuous intrathecal infusion of baclofen using an implanted programmable pump. Bladder function improved in all patients; significant improvements consisted of an increase in bladder capacity, a decrease in residual volume, and diminished pelvic-floor spasm. Three subjects became continent. Intermittent self-catheterization was no longer impeded by adductor spasm. In three patients complete bladder emptying could be achieved. In two cases maximal bladder pressure diminished; in two others it increased, but for the whole group the changes were not significant.