Management of Spasticity in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: Efficacy of Repeated Intrathecal Triamcinolone Acetonide Administration

Mazen      Abu-Mugheisib; Reiner      Benecke; Uwe      K. Zettl

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) as a chronic disease presents a vast variability of neurological symptoms. Spasticity is one of the most common symptoms. The principle indication to treat spasticity is disability or handicap of capabilities. All pharmacological methods are attributed to a basic physical management. Different effective treatment schemes have been established. Nevertheless the value of intrathecal triamcinolone acetonid (TCA) in MS is still a controversial issue. Bearing in mind that only limited data are available and due to its invasive application form repeated TCA administration can be recommended as one therapy option in MS with a progressive clinical course and predominantly spinal symptoms.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, intrathecal steroids, triamcinolone acetonide, spasticity, neurological symptoms, inflammatory disease, neuron, methylprednisolone acetate (MPA), steroids, intrathecal.