An investigation of the relationship between autonomic dysreflexia and intrathecal baclofen in patients with spinal cord injury

Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) is a condition that affects individuals with spinal cord injuries, leading to dangerously elevated blood pressure due to a noxious stimulus below the injury level. This study explores the use of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps, typically used for spasticity, and its potential effect on reducing AD episodes in SCI patients. The findings suggest that ITB may significantly reduce the occurrence of symptomatic AD, even in individuals with additional risk factors like kidney stones or pressure ulcers.

• 1
  A significant reduction in AD episodes was observed after ITB pump placement; 73.5% of subjects experienced AD prior to ITB, compared to only 5.9% after placement.
• 2
  All subjects with kidney or bladder stones experienced AD prior to ITB pump placement, but none experienced AD after placement.
• 3
  The majority of subjects with pressure ulcers experienced AD prior to ITB pump placement, with a notable reduction in AD episodes after placement.