News Releases

New Hope for Stroke Survivors to Regain Use of Locked Limbs

Houston, Texas, December 29, 2006 – For 10 years, physicians Cindy Ivanhoe, M.D., and Gerard Francisco, M.D., of Memorial Hermann|TIRR have researched how stroke survivors could regain use of locked (or contracted) limbs. The results of their findings utilizing ITB Therapysm (Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy) were recently published in the November issue of the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. It is the largest study of its kind conducted to date.         

Supported by Medtronic, the study involved 24 U.S. stroke treatment centers and enrolled 94 patients with spasticity (tight, stiff muscles or painful uncontrollable muscle spasms) in at least two limbs that was significant enough to interfere with activities of daily living. More than one-third of the patients who participated in the study were enrolled at Memorial Hermann|TIRR.

“The magnitude of these reductions in spasticity is significant both statistically and clinically,” explained Dr. Francisco, co-director of the brain injury and stroke program at Memorial Hermann|TIRR. “For patients, it means greater range of motion and less pain, making basic activities of daily life easier and more enjoyable. In short, it creates greater independence, which benefits the patients’ caregivers as well.”

Stroke will strike approximately 750,000 Americans this year alone, and at least two-thirds of them – more than 500,000 people – will survive, according to National Stroke Association, which estimates the number of stroke survivors in the United States to be around 5.4 million – and rising along with life expectancy.

“Stroke survivors face a range of issues, from cognitive deficits to speech and mobility problems,” said Dr. Ivanhoe, former medical director for the Brain Injury and Stroke Program at Memorial Hermann|TIRR and the lead author of the study. “This research shows that spasticity is one issue that can be safely and effectively managed with ITB Therapy. With spasticity under control, many stroke survivors make better progress with their overall recovery and rehabilitation.”

The study participants who received ITB Therapy experienced a significant reduction in their severe spasticity, as well as significant improvements in both functional independence and quality of life, after 12 months of treatment. Importantly, the study found that patients receiving ITB Therapy did not experience a significant reduction in the strength of the limbs unaffected by their stroke – confirming the findings of previous studies.

ITB Therapy is often used to manage severe spasticity of cerebral and spinal origin, including stroke, cerebral palsy, brain injury, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. It uses Medtronic’s SynchroMed Implantable Infusion System, which consists of a programmable drug pump connected to a thin tube, or catheter, to deliver precise amounts of a muscle relaxant called Lioresal®. The intrathecal infusion (baclofen injection) is directly inserted into the fluid-filled area surrounding the spinal cord, which bypasses the body’s blood-brain barrier and minimizes systemic side effects. By targeting the spinal cord, ITB Therapy reduces spasticity with smaller amounts of medication – 1/100th the dose – than would be required orally.

Stroke survivors with spasticity are screened at Memorial Hermann|TIRR and individuals interested in more information about ITB Therapy can call 713-222-CARE (2273) or toll free at (800) 544-3399.

For more information, contact Media Relations.