Status epilepticus after baclofen withdrawal

Abstract

Baclofen is widely used in the treatment of spasticity of spinal origin. It is relatively free of side effects or toxic actions on the nervous system or other organs. Agitation, personality change, and auditory and visual hallucinations have been described following its abrupt withdrawal. One patient with generalized seizures and one with complex partial seizures after baclofen withdrawal have been reported. This paper presents a patient who developed status epilepticus after baclofen withdrawal, and who sustained hypoxic cerebral injury. This observation further emphasizes the possibility of infrequent complications of baclofen therapy, and the advisability of gradual changes in baclofen dosage.