Abrupt withdrawal of intrathecal baclofen is associated with which of the following adverse effects?

Abrupt withdrawal of intrathecal baclofen is associated with which of the following adverse effects?

• A. Hallucinations
• B. Seizures
• C. Nausea
• D. Hypotension

Answer: (B)

Abrupt stopping of intrathecal baclofen removes the GABA-B–mediated inhibition that keeps CNS neurons in check. When the drug is suddenly withdrawn, the CNS shifts to a hyperexcitable state, making seizures the most characteristic and dangerous manifestation of the withdrawal syndrome. While other symptoms like fever, severe spasticity, and autonomic instability can occur, seizures specifically reflect the abrupt loss of inhibitory control in the nervous system. Hallucinations, nausea, and hypotension aren’t the defining features of this withdrawal pattern.

Abrupt stopping of intrathecal baclofen removes the GABA-B–mediated inhibition that keeps CNS neurons in check. When the drug is suddenly withdrawn, the CNS shifts to a hyperexcitable state, making seizures the most characteristic and dangerous manifestation of the withdrawal syndrome. While other symptoms like fever, severe spasticity, and autonomic instability can occur, seizures specifically reflect the abrupt loss of inhibitory control in the nervous system. Hallucinations, nausea, and hypotension aren’t the defining features of this withdrawal pattern.