Abstract OBJECTIVE: Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy is a recognized treatment for refractory spasticity, yet immediate post-trial responses remain underreported. This study aimed to evaluate early changes in spasticity, spasm severity, pain perception, and gross motor function following ITB test dosing and to explore predictors of short-term response. METHODS: Sixteen patients with refractory spasticity underwent ITB test dosing via lumbar injection. Clinical assessments were performed pre-trial and 4 h post-administration using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), Penn Spasm Frequency Scale (PSS), numeric pain scale (NPS), and Gross Motor Function Classification System. RESULTS: Post-trial evaluations revealed significant improvements in MAS (mean Δ = 1.6 ± 0.9), PSS (Δ = 1.5 ± 1.2), and NPS (Δ = 3.2 ± 1.3). Patients with paraparesis showed the most consistent gains across all scales, whereas those with quadriparesis exhibited more limited responses in multiple domains. No correlation was found between disease duration and response magnitude. CONCLUSION: Short-interval assessment following ITB test dosing demonstrates meaningful reductions in spasticity and pain, particularly among patients with paraparesis. These results support the use of objective scales during ITB trials and suggest that motor distribution may influence early therapeutic outcomes.
Mohammad et al. (Sat,) studied this question.