Selective intrathecal phenol block to improve activities of daily living in patients with spastic quadriplegia. A preliminary report

To eliminate severe leg spasms of 15 quadriplegics, 0.3 ml 10% phenol-glycerin was injected into the subarachnoid space at the T12/L1 interspace. The effectiveness for leg spasm was evaluated by the Penn spasticity and Ashworth rigidity scales. Three patients remained completely flaccid; however three had slight, six had moderate and three had complete recurrence of spasms in a follow up period of observation for 1 to 22 (average 13) months. The result of selective intrathecal phenol block was significantly valuable, improving the activities of daily living (ADL) of quadriplegic patients. There were no systemic side effects nor disturbance of bladder, bowel or sexual functions.