Baclofen Pumps

If you have cerebral palsy, a spinal cord injury, or have experienced a stroke, you might be contending with spastic hypertonia (uncontrollable muscle spasms, stiffening of muscles, shock-like contractions, and abnormal muscle tone). For decades, hypertonia has been treated with oral medications. While they can be effective in treating spasms, they often have side effects, including memory problems, hallucinations, drowsiness, and confusion. There’s also a possibility that they may actually impair recovery.

Findings from a recent study, however, suggest that there may be a better alternative—ITB, or intrathecal baclofen, administered through a pump in the abdomen. Because this treatment bypasses the blood-brain barrier, less medication is needed and side effects are minimized.

Test results concluded that baclofen pump might allow you to enjoy significant improvement in function and quality-of-life without risking disturbing side effects. Also, muscle strength in your unaffected limbs is preserved, which translates into maxixum activity and a more enjoyable quality of life.

For further information: “Intrathecal Baclofen Management of Poststroke Spastic Hypertonia: Implications for Function and Quality of Life,” Cindy B. Ivanhoe, MD, Gerard E. Francisco, MD, John R. McGuire, MD Thyagarajan Subramanian, MD, Samuel P. Grissom, MD, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, vol. 87, November 2006)