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In this Article

• Baclofen introduction
• 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?
• Baclofen Pump Therapy Index

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.

How Will My Doctor Know If the Baclofen Pump System Is Right for Me?

If your treatment team recommends the baclofen pump system after your evaluation, you will have a trial of the therapy to test the potential effectiveness of the medication.

During the medication trial, baclofen is injected into the spinal canal (using a small needle) and the treatment team assesses its effectiveness over 2-4 hours. If your muscles don't relax during the first trial, a larger dose may be given on a later date to determine its effectiveness.

If you experience positive results with the intrathecal medication you can decide with your doctor and family members if you should have a baclofen pump system implanted during a surgical procedure.

Reviewed by the doctors at the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Research at The Cleveland Clinic.

SOURCES:

Edited by Joseph R Carcione, DO, MBA on November 02, 2006

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