Baclofen: A Team Approach to Drug Evaluation of Spasticity in Childhood

Abstract

A double blind crossover trial of baclofen against placebo was carried out in 20 children with spasticity in a day school for physically handicapped children. No significant benefit from baclofen in functional activities was observed and an unacceptable incidence of side-effects was recorded. However, interesting differences between the observations during formal testing and during everyday activities were noted and these may have implications for future trials. A longer study using a lower dose (e.g. 1 mg/kg) might achieve different results.