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About the Therapy
With a baclofen pump (ITB therapy), medication is delivered directly to your spinal cord fluid. The results may be improved walking, increased range of motion and fewer spasms, all of which may help you live more independently.1,2
A baclofen pump (ITB therapy) is a precise, treatment to help reduce severe spasticity caused by stroke.
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All treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual patient, and will form part of your consultation with your healthcare professional.
Please consult your healthcare professional for a full list of benefits, indications, precautions, clinical results, and other important medical information that pertains to ITB therapy.
Learn some of the common questions and concerns about how a baclofen pump (ITB therapy) may help minimise severe spasticity caused by stroke.
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Francisco GE, Boake C. Improvement in walking speed in poststroke spastic hemiplegia after intrathecal baclofen therapy: a preliminary study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2003;84(8):1194-1199.
Meythaler J, et al. Long-term continuously infused intrathecal baclofen for spastic dystonic hypertonia in traumatic brain injury: 1-year experience. ArchPhys Med Rehabil 1999; 80(1):13-19.
Intrathecal baclofen therapy is a treatment that may relieve some of the symptoms of 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.
ITB therapy uses a surgically implanted programmable pump and catheter that delivers medication which helps reduce severe spasticity caused by stroke. This medication is a liquid form of baclofen, that goes directly into the intrathecal space where fluid flows around the spinal cord.
Because baclofen is delivered directly to the spinal fluid where it's needed most, it reduces spasticity with smaller amounts of medication than when baclofen is taken orally. This method of delivery may help minimise side effects that can result from oral baclofen.
The ITB therapy system consists of:
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 pump is not uncomfortable or restrictive, and does not interfere with their movement. Depending on your build, it may not show at all under regular clothes.
Because the drug is delivered directly to the spinal fluid where it is needed, only minimal amounts circulate in the blood throughout the body. This helps minimise the possible side effects that can accompany oral baclofen.
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 and might allow you to participate in daily activities that have become difficult or impossible.
Only your doctor can determine whether you are a candidate for a pump. Candidates must:
In addition, healthcare professionals may use the following criteria to determine if you are a candidate for ITB therapy:
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.