The use of baclofen in treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis. 1979

G M Sawa, and D W Paty

Baclofen was used in a double-blind crossover placebo-controlled trial to treat spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). While on Baclofen, patients obtained a significant (p less than 0.001) reduction in spasticity compared to controls. The drug was particularly effective in alleviating flexor and extensors spasms, as well as their associated pain. Side effects were common in this study, but were usually well tolerated by the patients. The commonest side effects were sedation, nausea and vomiting. There were no changes in hepatic, renal, or hematological function in any patients. Increase weakness due to loss of spasticity for support was also a fairly common complaint. The drug seems best indicated in patients in whom spasticity is not required for support or other activities of daily living. Careful monitoring of the patient is essential for effective use of this drug.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D009103 Multiple Sclerosis An autoimmune disorder mainly affecting young adults and characterized by destruction of myelin in the central nervous system. Pathologic findings include multiple sharply demarcated areas of demyelination throughout the white matter of the central nervous system. Clinical manifestations include visual loss, extra-ocular movement disorders, paresthesias, loss of sensation, weakness, dysarthria, spasticity, ataxia, and bladder dysfunction. The usual pattern is one of recurrent attacks followed by partial recovery (see MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, RELAPSING-REMITTING), but acute fulminating and chronic progressive forms (see MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, CHRONIC PROGRESSIVE) also occur. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p903) MS (Multiple Sclerosis),Multiple Sclerosis, Acute Fulminating,Sclerosis, Disseminated,Disseminated Sclerosis,Sclerosis, Multiple
D009128 Muscle Spasticity A form of muscle hypertonia associated with upper MOTOR NEURON DISEASE. Resistance to passive stretch of a spastic muscle results in minimal initial resistance (a "free interval") followed by an incremental increase in muscle tone. Tone increases in proportion to the velocity of stretch. Spasticity is usually accompanied by HYPERREFLEXIA and variable degrees of MUSCLE WEAKNESS. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p54) Clasp-Knife Spasticity,Spastic,Clasp Knife Spasticity,Spasticity, Clasp-Knife,Spasticity, Muscle
D002986 Clinical Trials as Topic Works about pre-planned studies of the safety, efficacy, or optimum dosage schedule (if appropriate) of one or more diagnostic, therapeutic, or prophylactic drugs, devices, or techniques selected according to predetermined criteria of eligibility and observed for predefined evidence of favorable and unfavorable effects. This concept includes clinical trials conducted both in the U.S. and in other countries. Clinical Trial as Topic
D004311 Double-Blind Method A method of studying a drug or procedure in which both the subjects and investigators are kept unaware of who is actually getting which specific treatment. Double-Masked Study,Double-Blind Study,Double-Masked Method,Double Blind Method,Double Blind Study,Double Masked Method,Double Masked Study,Double-Blind Methods,Double-Blind Studies,Double-Masked Methods,Double-Masked Studies,Method, Double-Blind,Method, Double-Masked,Methods, Double-Blind,Methods, Double-Masked,Studies, Double-Blind,Studies, Double-Masked,Study, Double-Blind,Study, Double-Masked
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D001418 Baclofen A GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID derivative that is a specific agonist of GABA-B RECEPTORS. It is used in the treatment of MUSCLE SPASTICITY, especially that due to SPINAL CORD INJURIES. Its therapeutic effects result from actions at spinal and supraspinal sites, generally the reduction of excitatory transmission. Baclophen,Chlorophenyl GABA,Apo-Baclofen,Atrofen,Ba-34,647,Ba-34647,Baclofen AWD,Baclofène-Irex,Baclospas,CIBA-34,647-BA,Clofen,Gen-Baclofen,Genpharm,Lebic,Lioresal,Liorésal,Nu-Baclo,PCP-GABA,PMS-Baclofen,beta-(Aminomethyl)-4-chlorobenzenepropanoic Acid,beta-(p-Chlorophenyl)-gamma-aminobutyric Acid,AWD, Baclofen,Apo Baclofen,ApoBaclofen,Ba34,647,Ba34647,Baclofène Irex,BaclofèneIrex,CIBA34,647BA,GABA, Chlorophenyl,Gen Baclofen,GenBaclofen,Nu Baclo,NuBaclo,PMS Baclofen,PMSBaclofen

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