UAB researchers have found that continuous infusion of the drug Baclofen directly to the spine can reduce spastic hypertonia -- involuntary, abnormal muscle movements common to patients following a stroke.

Jay Meythaler, M.D., professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation, reported that intrathecal Baclofen therapy (ITB) reduces and controls spastic hypertonia in stroke patients in this week's issue of Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.

ITB therapy involves a pump implanted in the abdomen that continuously infuses Baclofen directly to the spinal cord. "The pump allows us to deliver the drug directly to where it is needed, increasing its effectiveness and cutting down on side effects."

Contact Bob Shepard, Media Relations, 205-934-8934 or [email protected].

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CITATIONS

Stroke, Sep-2001 (Sep-2001)