Medicine and Clinical Science

Baclofen Withdrawal Presenting as Acute Altered Mental Status in an Elderly Woman: A Structured Clinical Case Report

Aimée Timnou Djokam,

Aimée Timnou Djokam

1) Department of Family Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, USA. 2) Department of Internal Medicine and specialties, Faculty of medicine and biomedical sciences University of Yaounde I, Cameroon. 3) School of Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, USA.

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Lauren Baker,

Lauren Baker

1) Department of Family Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, USA. 2) School of Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, USA.

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Raoul Simeni,

Raoul Simeni

Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon.

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Victoria Okam,

Victoria Okam

1) Department of Family Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, USA. 2) School of Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, USA.

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Olga Gross,

Olga Gross

1) Department of Family Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, USA. 2) School of Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, USA.

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Elizabeth Burks,

Elizabeth Burks

School of Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, USA.

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Marie Josiane Ebode,

Marie Josiane Ebode

Department of Internal Medicine and specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon.

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Sophie Kouossu Tsemo,

Sophie Kouossu Tsemo

Department of Internal Medicine and specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon.

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Cecile Koumou,

Cecile Koumou

Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine of Sangmelima, Sangmelima, Cameroon.

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Alice Tsitsol,

Alice Tsitsol

Department of Internal Medicine and specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon.

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Estes Brooke,

Estes Brooke

1) Department of Family Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, USA. 2) School of Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, USA.

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Nolan Farmer,

Nolan Farmer

1) Department of Family Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, USA. 2) School of Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, USA.

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Steven Burgess

Steven Burgess

1) Department of Family Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, USA. 2) School of Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, USA.

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  10.33425/2690-5191.1163 Published: 11 May, 2026
Background: Baclofen withdrawal is a potentially life-threatening syndrome that can present with acute neuropsychiatric and autonomic disturbances, particularly in older adults. Prompt recognition is essential, as symptoms may mimic other causes of encephalopathy or delirium. This case report describes a 78-year-old woman who developed acute altered mental status due to baclofen withdrawal, highlighting diagnostic challenges and management strategies. Case Summary: A 78-year-old woman with a history of chronic baclofen use for spasticity presented with acute confusion, agitation, and autonomic instability after abrupt discontinuation of baclofen. Initial evaluation revealed no infectious, metabolic, or tumoral etiology. The diagnosis of baclofen withdrawal was established based on clinical history and exclusion of alternative causes. Reinitiating baclofen and supportive care led to the rapid resolution of symptoms. Conclusion: Baclofen withdrawal should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute encephalopathy, especially in elderly patients with a history of baclofen use. Early recognition and prompt reintroduction of baclofen are critical for favorable outcomes.
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