Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to J Gianino.
Treating severe spasticity with the continuous infusion of intrathecal baclofen through an implantable delivery system is a new and successful alternative to oral medications and ablative surgical procedures. Nurses have a vital role in patient care throughout all phases of therapy. Advances in this technology hold promise for our future in treating other neurologic disorders.
Electromyographic activity was recorded from tibialis anterior during nocturnal polysomnography in six patients with severe spasticity of spinal origin. The patients had a baclofen reservoir system implanted subcutaneously into their lumbar subarachnoid space and were studied for two nights in a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover design. Tibialis anterior electromyographic activity per hour of sleep was reduced on the night of baclofen infusion. In particular, less electromyographic activity occurred after arousal from sleep.