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 inters pace. The effectiveness for leg spasm was evaluated by the Penn spasti city and Ashworth rigidity scales. Three patients remained completely flaccid; however three had slight, six had moderate and three had comp lete recurrence of spasms in a follow up period of observation for 1 t o 22 (average 13) months. The result of selective intrathecal phenol b lock was significantly valuable, improving the activities of daily liv ing (ADL) of quadriplegic patients. There were no systemic side effect s nor disturbance of bladder, bowel or sexual functions.