Is a Drug Pump Right for You?

The treatment option that will work best for you depends on your type of pain, how severe it is, and how you respond to pain treatment.

A drug pump might be right for you if:

Your pain persists even though you are taking medication as directed
Your medication is causing side effects that are reducing the quality of life for you and your family
You have had a successful screening test

Screening Test

After your doctor confirms that you are a candidate for a Medtronic drug pump, he or she may decide to perform a screening test that will allow you to temporarily experience the therapy.

During this test, your doctor may choose one of two procedures:

Single injection – a single injection of a small amount of medication into your spinal column, similar to an epidural injection
Continuous infusion – a continuous infusion of medication is delivered to the area around the spinal cord through a temporary, implanted catheter (this test takes place over several days)

Next: Your Healthcare Team

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

Last updated: 3 Aug 2008