A Quasi-Experimental Study Comparing the Effectiveness and Tolerability of Oral Baclofen and Eperisone in Managing Post-Stroke Spasticity
Effectiveness of Oral Baclofen and Eperisone in Managing Post-Stroke Spasticity
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v9i3.1339Keywords:
Post-Stroke Spasticity, Baclofen, Eperisone, Modified Ashworth Scale, Barthel Index, Non-Randomized Controlled TrialAbstract
Post-stroke spasticity hinders recovery by inducing pain, insomnia, and difficulty in doing everyday tasks. While Baclofen and Eperisone are regularly prescribed, there is limited comparative data available regarding their clinical effectiveness and tolerability. Objectives: To examine the six-week clinical effectiveness and tolerability of oral baclofen with eperisone. Methods: This prospective clinical trial was conducted at the Department of Neurology, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan (August 2022–August 2023). In the present study, 110 adults with post-stroke spasticity (MAS > 2, ≥6 months post-stroke) were assigned to oral baclofen (Group A, n=55) or eperisone (Group B, n=55) based on physician assessment and patient preference, representing a comparative cohort design. Muscle tone (Modified Ashworth Scale), muscle strength (Medical Research Council scale), and functional independence (Barthel Index) were analyzed at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, and 6. At the same time, tolerability was monitored throughout the study. Results: Both groups have shown improvement over time. At six weeks, eperisone displayed superior outcomes: mean MAS scores for the upper right limb were 1.25 ± 0.48 compared to 1.98 ± 0.36 with baclofen (p<0.001); MRC strength was 3.69 ± 0.47 versus 3.07 ± 0.47 (p<0.001); and Barthel Index scores were 74.89 ± 1.24 versus 64.42 ± 2.42 (p<0.001). Adverse events were mild in both groups, with asthenia occurring more frequently in the baclofen group (9.1% vs 3.6%). Conclusions: Compared to baclofen, eperisone significantly improved muscular tone, strength, and functional independence and showed a better tolerability profile. These results are hypothesis-generating; before definite recommendations can be made, they must be confirmed in sufficiently powered randomized controlled studies.
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