Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

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Mount Sinai Spinal Cord Injury Model System
Special Programs

Spasticity Management

Oral medications. Spasticity can usually be adequately managed with oral medications, prescribed and adjusted by one of our PMR specialists.

Baclofen Pump. Spasticity that can not be treated with oral medications may respond to baclofen (Lioresal) that is administered intrathecally via a surgically implanted pump. The acts directly on the spinal cord and relaxes the spastic (tight or stiff) muscles. Interested candidates are given a test dose of baclofen that is administered during a lumbar tap. If they respond positively, they may be a candidate for baclofen pump implantation.

Motor Point Blocks. Spasticity that is not controlled with oral medication often may respond to selective injections of Botulinum toxin, also known as Botox™ or Myobloc™, or alcohol to specific muscles. These injections are guided by EMG or electrical stimulation. The medicines work by directly relaxing the specific muscles that are injected.
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