What Is Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy?

Drug Pump

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

A baclofen pump or ITB therapy (intrathecal baclofen therapy) may treat some of the symptoms of your severe spasticity.

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

Frequently Asked Questions – Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy

• How does a baclofen pump work?
• If oral baclofen didn’t work for me, why would intrathecal baclofen work?
• Will a baclofen pump cure my spasticity?
• Am I a candidate for intrathecal baclofen therapy?

How does a baclofen pump work?

A 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.

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.

Back to top

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 often accompany oral baclofen.

Back to top

Will a baclofen pump cure my spasticity?

While a baclofen pump 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.

Back to top

Am I a candidate for intrathecal baclofen therapy?

Candidates for a baclofen pump (ITB therapy) must:

• 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 centimetres (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

Back to top

Next: Getting a Baclofen Pump