In this Article

• How does Baclofen work?
• What are the side effects of Baclofen therapy?
• What is intrathecal Baclofen?
• What is the intrathecal Baclofen pump system?
• Who is a candidate for the intrathecal Baclofen pump?
• What are the advantages of the Baclofen pump system?
• What are the disadvantages of the Baclofen pump system?
• How will my doctor know if the Baclofen pump system is right for me?
• What happens after the procedure?
• Baclofen Pump Therapy Index

What Are the Advantages of the Baclofen Pump System?

The Baclofen pump system:

• Efficiently reduces spasticity and involuntary spasms, promoting a more active lifestyle, better sleep, and reduced need for oral medications.
• Continuously delivers Baclofen in small doses directly to the spinal fluid, increasing the therapeutic benefits and causing fewer and less severe side effects than the oral medication.
• Can be individually adjusted to allow infusion rates that vary over a 24-hour period.
• Can be turned off when it isn't needed.
• Reduces or eliminates pain and discomfort from spasms and spasticity.

What Are the Disadvantages of the Baclofen Pump System?

There are certain risks that must be considered with any surgery. Risks include:

• An adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Bladder control can be altered, causing loss of urine unexpectedly
• Pump malfunction: If the pump malfunctions, it may deliver too much medicine at once. In that instance, you will develop symptoms such as drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, insomnia (difficulty falling and/or staying asleep), lightheadedness, nausea, constipation, vomiting, loose muscles, trouble with vision, coma, respiratory depression, seizures, dry mouth, double vision, decreased concentration, diarrhea, or delayed responsiveness. Should this occur, go to the nearest Emergency Department immediately. A doctor can give you a drug called Physostigmine to counteract Baclofen.
• Kinked catheter: If the catheter becomes "kinked," surgery may be necessary to replace the catheter.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Multiple Sclerosis - Learn about the types of multiple sclerosis and symtpoms including muscle weakness and spasm, fatigue, memory loss, depression, memory loss, impaired judgement and more.

Read more Baclofen Pump Therapy related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Boomers Doomed to Disability?
• Gender Divorce Gap After Illness Strikes
• Cigarette Smoking's Decline Levels Off
• 22 Million Cases of Swine Flu in U.S.