Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy
For patients with severe spasticity, enhancing their mobility, self-care abilities and independence are significant achievements. To reach these milestones, effective therapy is necessary. Oral medications are a common treatment; unfortunately, they can leave some patients feeling fatigued, nauseated and frustrated. For these patients, TriStar Skyline Medical Center offers ITB Therapy as an option. ITB Therapy is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for severe spasticity.
ITB Therapy (Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy) delivers a medication called Lioresal® directly to the space where fluid flows around the spinal cord. The medication is administered through a pump. The pump is surgically placed under the skin of the abdomen and connected to a thin tube called a catheter. Once in place, the pump and catheter deliver the medication directly to the spinal fluid where it is most effective.
Our programmable pump is a surgically placed drug infusion system that can be programmed from outside the body. When necessary, a clinician uses a computer-like external programmer to adjust the drug dose and/or infusion rate.
Delivery makes the difference with ITB Therapy. Because a small amount of medication is delivered directy to the spinal fluid, spasticity can be significantly decreased, while possible side effects that often accompany oral medications may be reduced.
A screening test determines if ITB Therapy may work for an individual. For more information, please call (615) 868-4600.
