Peripheral nerve block with phenol to treat spasticity in spinal cord injured patients.

ABSTRACT

In this study an attempt was made to treat spinal cord injured patients with severe spasticity by peripheral nerve blocks. Thirty-six patients (5 female, 31 male) ranging in age from 20 to 71 years (mean 29 +/- 8.2) were treated by phenol injections. A specially designed electrostimulation needle was used for the injections. The results showed that peripheral nerve blocks with phenol solution could be a remedy on a temporary basis, but are not as effective as has been described previously.