Role of Baclofen in Modulating Spasticity and Neuroprotection in Spinal Cord Injury.

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects an estimated three million people worldwide, with ~180,000 new cases reported each year leading to severe motor and sensory functional impairments that affect personal and social behaviors. To date, no effective treatment has been made available to promote neurological recovery after SCI. Deficits on motor function is the most visible consequence of SCI, however, other secondary complications produce a significant impact in on SCI patient s welfare. Spasticity is a neurological impairment that affects the control of muscle tone as a consequence of an insult, trauma, or injury to the central nervous system, as SCI. The management of spasticity can be achieved through the combination of both nonpharmacological and pharmacological approaches. Baclofen is the most effective drug for spasticity treatment, and it can be administered both orally and intrathecally, depending on spasticity location and severity. Interestingly, recent data is revealing that baclofen can also play a role on neuroprotection after SCI. This new function of baclofen in SCI scope is promising for the prospect of developing new pharmacological strategies to promoting functional recovery in SCI patients.