How is intrathecal Baclofen given?
Baclofen is a medicine that is used to lessen spasticity. With the intrathecal method of using Baclofen, a surgeon places a pump into a child’s abdomen. The pump sends Baclofen into the area around the spinal cord, called the intrathecal space. Because Baclofen works mainly in the spinal cord, it can have a large effect on spasticity. The pump is programmed to deliver a specific dose of medicine to your child. An external computer can adjust the rate of the pump based on your child’s needs. What are the benefits of intrathecal Baclofen? Intrathecal Baclofen often drastically reduces spasticity. Therefore, it may have major benefits in children with severe spasticity in many parts of their body. These benefits include: lessening pain, improving the ease of caring for the child and preventing a deformity. The greatest effect of intrathecal Baclofen is usually in the legs. Intrathecal Baclofen may lead to improved walking skills, hand function and speech. The pump rate can be adjusted to
