Pharmacological management of spasticity in multiple sclerosis: systematic review and consensus paper
S Otero-Romero, J Sastre-Garriga… - Multiple Sclerosis …, 2016 - journals.sagepub.com
Multiple Sclerosis Journal, 2016•journals.sagepub.com
Background and objectives: Treatment of spasticity poses a major challenge given the
complex clinical presentation and variable efficacy and safety profiles of available drugs. We
present a systematic review of the pharmacological treatment of spasticity in multiple
sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods: Controlled trials and observational studies were identified.
Scientific evidence was evaluated according to pre-specified levels of certainty. Results: The
evidence supports the use of baclofen, tizanidine and gabapentin as first-line options …
complex clinical presentation and variable efficacy and safety profiles of available drugs. We
present a systematic review of the pharmacological treatment of spasticity in multiple
sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods: Controlled trials and observational studies were identified.
Scientific evidence was evaluated according to pre-specified levels of certainty. Results: The
evidence supports the use of baclofen, tizanidine and gabapentin as first-line options …
Background and objectives
Treatment of spasticity poses a major challenge given the complex clinical presentation and variable efficacy and safety profiles of available drugs. We present a systematic review of the pharmacological treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
Methods
Controlled trials and observational studies were identified. Scientific evidence was evaluated according to pre-specified levels of certainty.
Results
The evidence supports the use of baclofen, tizanidine and gabapentin as first-line options. Diazepam or dantrolene could be considered if no clinical improvement is seen with the previous drugs. Nabiximols has a positive effect when used as add-on therapy in patients with poor response and/or tolerance to first-line oral treatments. Despite limited evidence, intrathecal baclofen and intrathecal phenol show a positive effect in severe spasticity and suboptimal response to oral drugs.
Conclusion
The available studies on spasticity treatment offer some insight to guide clinical practice but are of variable methodological quality. Large, well-designed trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of antispasticity agents and to produce evidence-based treatment algorithms.
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