What Is Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy?

Drug Pump

Intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB Therapy) is a treatment that may relieve some of the symptoms of severe spasticity.

Depending on your specific condition, ITB Therapy may impact your severe spasticity in different ways. Treatment may be even more effective when used in combination with physical, occupational, or speech therapy.

Therapy Components

The system consists of:

• Pump – a surgically placed, battery-powered programmable pump with a reservoir infuses the drug at a programmed rate via the catheter
• Catheter – a flexible silicone tube delivers medication from the pump to your body
• Intrathecal baclofen - a drug that reduces severe spasticity for some people

Next: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions – Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy

• How does intrathecal baclofen therapy work?
• If oral baclofen didn't work for me, why would intrathecal baclofen work?
• Will intrathecal baclofen therapy cure my spasticity?
• Will intrathecal baclofen therapy work for me?

How does intrathecal baclofen therapy work?

A programmable baclofen pump system includes a programmable pump and catheter that are surgically placed, usually just under the skin of the abdomen. The system delivers a liquid form of the drug baclofen directly to the fluid around the spinal cord, where it's needed most.

People report that the programmable pump is not uncomfortable or restrictive, and does not interfere with their movement. Depending on your body type, it may not show at all under regular clothes.

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If oral baclofen didn't work for me, why would intrathecal baclofen work?

Because the drug is delivered directly to where it is needed in the spinal fluid, only minimal amounts circulate throughout the body in the blood. This helps minimise the possible side effects that can accompany oral baclofen.

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Will intrathecal baclofen therapy cure my spasticity?

While a baclofen pump (ITB therapy) won't eliminate the primary source of your condition or cure your disease, it may help you manage your severe spasticity symptoms and might allow you to participate in daily activities that have become difficult or impossible.

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Will intrathecal baclofen therapy work for me?

Candidates for a baclofen pump (ITB therapy) must:

• Have severe spasticity that interferes with your function, care and comfort, or activities of daily living
• Show a positive response to a baclofen injection in a standard screening test
• Have sufficient body size to support the pump; the pump must be implanted 2.5 cm (1 inch) or less from the surface of the skin
• Not have any infection
• Not be allergic to baclofen

In addition, healthcare professionals may use the following criteria to determine if you are a candidate for ITB therapy:

• Severe spasticity or spasms that interfere with function or daily activities
• Severe spasticity or spasms that interfere with care or positioning

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Next: Getting a Baclofen Pump