Which medication is commonly administered intrathecally to treat severe spasticity due to spinal cord injury?

Which medication is commonly administered intrathecally to treat severe spasticity due to spinal cord injury?

• A. Diazepam
• B. Baclofen
• C. Cyclobenzaprine
• D. Carisoprodol

Answer: (B)

Delivering a muscle-relaxing drug directly into the spinal fluid targets the spinal circuits that drive spasticity, allowing much lower doses with focused effect and fewer systemic side effects. Baclofen is a GABA-B receptor agonist that acts at the level of the spinal cord to dampen reflexes and reduce muscle tone. When spasticity from spinal cord injury is severe and not well controlled by oral meds, an intrathecal baclofen pump provides continuous, adjustable delivery, often producing meaningful reduction in tone, less pain, fewer spasms, and better function. The other medications listed are typically given by oral (or other systemic) routes and are not standard intrathecal therapies for severe spasticity. Diazepam can relieve spasticity but is usually used orally or parenterally and has sedative effects; cyclobenzaprine and carisoprodol are oral muscle relaxants with broader CNS effects and are not formulated for intrathecal use.

Delivering a muscle-relaxing drug directly into the spinal fluid targets the spinal circuits that drive spasticity, allowing much lower doses with focused effect and fewer systemic side effects. Baclofen is a GABA-B receptor agonist that acts at the level of the spinal cord to dampen reflexes and reduce muscle tone. When spasticity from spinal cord injury is severe and not well controlled by oral meds, an intrathecal baclofen pump provides continuous, adjustable delivery, often producing meaningful reduction in tone, less pain, fewer spasms, and better function.

The other medications listed are typically given by oral (or other systemic) routes and are not standard intrathecal therapies for severe spasticity. Diazepam can relieve spasticity but is usually used orally or parenterally and has sedative effects; cyclobenzaprine and carisoprodol are oral muscle relaxants with broader CNS effects and are not formulated for intrathecal use.