Utility of intrathecal baclofen pump in primary lateral sclerosis

Abstract

Primary lateral sclerosis is a disorder categorized by insidious onset of progressive upper motor neuron dysfunction without lower motor neuron involvement. PLS often presents with gradual-onset, progressive lower extremity stiffness and pain due to muscle spasticity. Intrathecal Baclofen pumps (ITB) have been used to effectively treat spasticity in several neurologic conditions including MS and spinal cord injury. This study aimed at reviewing a cohort of PLS patients with spasticity requiring ITB to assess the clinical course, benefits, and complications in these patients. A series of 5 patients were identified who were diagnosed with PLS and received ITB as treatment for spasticity. The average age of the patients at the time of ITB insertion was 56.4 years. The average length of treatment was 10.4 years with a range of 4–15 years. All patients reported improvement in spasticity as measured by clinical examinations and Ashworth scores; 1/5 had complications with the pump related to migration of catheter. No patients required permanent removal of the ITB. ITB is a safe and effective treatment for spasticity in PLS and should be considered in other patients.