Recurrent transient global amnesia with intrathecal baclofen

Anesth Analg. 2008 Apr;106(4):1284-7, table of contents. doi: 10.1213/ane.0b013e318165e1c6.

Abstract

A middle-aged woman began experiencing spells of profound anterograde amnesia several months after beginning intrathecal baclofen treatment for generalized dystonia. Her spells met criteria for transient global amnesia, but were unusual because of their frequent recurrence and because their frequency was somewhat dose-dependent on baclofen. Fludrocortisone decreased the frequency of these episodes, and sublingual nitroglycerin both prevented and terminated them. Baclofen-induced amnesia in rodents is a reliable model of memory impairment. In contrast, baclofen-induced memory impairment in humans is uncommon. Baclofen- associated transient global amnesia has not previously been reported.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amnesia, Anterograde / chemically induced*
  • Baclofen / administration & dosage
  • Baclofen / adverse effects
  • Baclofen / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypotension / chemically induced
  • Injections, Spinal
  • Isosorbide Dinitrate / adverse effects
  • Isosorbide Dinitrate / therapeutic use
  • Kinetics
  • Memory Disorders / chemically induced
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Relaxants, Central / administration & dosage
  • Muscle Relaxants, Central / adverse effects
  • Muscle Relaxants, Central / therapeutic use*
  • Recurrence
  • Time Factors
  • Vasodilator Agents / adverse effects
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Muscle Relaxants, Central
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Baclofen
  • Isosorbide Dinitrate