Improvement of sleep apnea in a patient with cerebral palsy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) can reduce spasticity in adults and children with cerebral palsy. Benefits of ITB therapy include improved Ashworth scores, activities of daily living, and mobility. The impact of ITB therapy on sleep apnea in patients with cerebral palsy has not been reported. This case report describes a 29-yr-old female with mixed spastic athetoid quadriparetic cerebral palsy with dystonia, gross motor function IV, who had sleep apnea, requiring nightly continuous positive airway pressure. She received ITB with the goal to improve her wheelchair positioning and decrease her excessive movements. After the initiation of the ITB, reduction of her spasticity and dystonia was noted, as well as improvement of her sleep apnea. This case suggests that ITB therapy may improve respiratory function through reduction of respiratory muscle spasticity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)540-542
Number of pages3
JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Volume80
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 5 2001

Keywords

  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
  • Intrathecal Baclofen
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Spasticity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

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