ABSTRACT
Spasticity, spasms and weakness can result in muscle shortening and joint stiffness, which can in turn aggravate spasticity and spasms. A physiotherapist can advise on how to maintain flexibility and can teach specific stretches and ways of moving and positioning the body in order to prevent contractures. When baclofen is taken orally as tablets, it has to build up in the bloodstream before it can reach the nerve cells in the spinal cord or brain to reduce the spasticity and spasms. Sometimes people cannot tolerate a high enough dose of oral baclofen to help their spasticity without experiencing side effects. Intrathecal baclofen therapy is another way of delivering baclofen. It delivers the drug directly to the nerve cells in the spinal cord. However, if people already have effective management strategies in place (e.g. a suprapubic catheter) or use suppositories regularly, the use of intrathecal phenol may not cause people any further negative effects.
