baclofen pumps for cerebral palsy

baclofen pumps for cerebral palsy

Paula Martinek

12/10/2008

I am asking this on behalf of a friend of mine with spastic type cerebral palsy who is about 45 years old. His walking is getting worse, mainly due to balance issues plus he has very tight hip internal rotators, possible tibial internal torsion. I haven't evaluated him in any kind of clinical sense, but he walks with a severe pigeon toe gait which is causing falls. I think he also has knee hyperextension and a mild foot drop bilaterally, if I remember right, I haven't seen him in about 6 months. He doesn't want to use a cane or other assistive device because he feels this will emphasize his handicap. In any event he told me that his neurologist is discussing the possible use of a baclofen pump implanted in the spine. He asked me if i have any patients who have had it done. None of my patients have had it done. I know that it has been used in children and adolescents, I know what it does, and that's the extent of my knowledge. I was wondering if any of you have patients who have had this procedure done and what the outcome was, especially if the patient was an adolescent or an adult. Did the patient need to re-learn walking, were they pleased with the results, what physical therapy did they need. I think the doctor is also recommending some type of AFO device. Since he's not my patient I haven't evaluated him as far as muscle strength, amount of deformity, etc. I don't foresee that he will be a patient, he lives 90 miles away. Thank you for your time, sincerely,
Paula Martinek, LPO
Merry Christmas and Happy holidays to you all.