A to Z of MS Intrathecal baclofen
Baclofen is a widely used spasticity drug that is normally taken as tablets. However, in a few cases of severe spasticity, intrathecal baclofen may be considered. The majority of people for whom this is suitable will be permanent users of a wheelchair.
The intrathecal space is the fluid filled cavity that surrounds the spinal cord within the spine. Drugs delivered intrathecally are passed directly into this cavity. This is a much more efficient delivery method that bypasses some of the side-effects of oral tablets, and provides a higher dose of the drug more consistently.
Intrathecal baclofen involves surgically implanting a pump under the skin of the abdomen near the waistline. The pump is about two and a half centimetres thick and about seven and a half centimetres wide. The pump is linked to the spinal cavity by a tube that is inserted by a lumbar puncture.
The pump stores and releases prescribed doses of baclofen. An external programmer can be used to adjust the dose, rate and timing of the baclofen. The pump is refilled by an injection and does not need further surgery. The pump needs to be refilled and dosage adjusted typically around every three months. Pumps last for around five to seven years, at which time they will need to be replaced.
Because of the surgical procedure, the need to refill pumps and potentially replace pumps, together with the obvious risk of infection, intrathecal baclofen is only available in the UK in a few specialist centres.
- Find out more
- Spasticity
- Baclofen
- Drugs used in the treatment of MS
If this information doesn't answer your questions, please email the MS Trust Information Service or ring us on 01462 476700.
