Management of spasticity with intrathecal phenol injections: The past and the present

Abstract

Introduction: Spasticity is increased, involuntary, velocity-dependent muscle tone that causes resistance to movement. Intrathecal injection of phenol is a form of treatment used in a very selective group of patients with spasticity. Aim: This study aims to highlight current evidence in the treatment of spasticity with intrathecal neurolytic phenol injections. Materials and Methods: A computer-based literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library using the following key words: intrathecal, phenol, spasticity, and pain. Results: The search identified 83 articles. Of 16 articles met the inclusion criteria of being specifically relating to the use of intrathecal phenol injections in spasticity. There was a lack of randomized controlled studies addressing intrathecal phenol injections in our search. Conclusions: Intrathecal phenol can be valuable for the treatment of spasticity when adapted for each individual, and used as part of an overall program that includes multidisciplinary team assessment and goal planning.