Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy (IBT): Is This Advanced Spasticity Treatment Right for You?

Living with spasticity can mean painful muscle contractions, a compromised posture, and trouble maintaining an independent routine. 

If spasticity impacts your life more and more by the day, it may be time to consider an advanced treatment called intrathecal baclofen therapy (IBT). 

Our multidisciplinary team at Delaware NeuroRehab specializes in baclofen pump management for multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and other central nervous system (CNS) conditions. 

At offices in Dover, Lewes, and Newark, Delaware, our team personalizes your rehabilitation program based on the cause and severity of muscle stiffness and spasms.

IBT can lead to significant quality of life improvements for those with brain and spinal cord conditions. Read on to learn how it works and when to consider it for spasticity. 

The role of a baclofen pump

Baclofen is a common medication for spasticity, but it isn’t always used with a baclofen pump. It’s a muscle relaxant, which means it treats spasticity by relaxing your muscles and making them less stiff. 

IBT involves using a surgically implanted baclofen pump to automatically deliver baclofen into your spinal canal — the fluid-filled area between your spinal cord and the bones in your spine. We program the pump to deliver the medication on a schedule that suits your needs.

A baclofen pump includes a: 

• Battery 
• Pump
• Reservoir for the medication 
• Catheter (a flexible tube to deliver medication from the reservoir to your spinal canal) 

The pump is a small disc placed under the skin on your belly. 

By using a pump, you can go about your day without worrying about taking medication on a regular schedule.

What to expect from baclofen pump management

Our team at Delaware NeuroRehab can support you with regular baclofen pump management as part of your individualized neurorehabilitation. You’ll visit the office once every 1-6 months so the team can refill the reservoir with baclofen using a needle to access its port. 

Baclofen pump management also involves checking in about your spasticity and how you’re feeling. You might need to adjust the dosage or pump intervals according to your needs. 

Once you’ve had your baclofen pump for a while, the team can teach you to refill the reservoir yourself. Then, you’ll only need to visit twice a year. 

After 5-7 years, your baclofen pump will need a battery replacement. Our team can help you with this so that there are no interruptions in your spasticity treatment. 

Candidates for IBT

IBT can treat spasticity due to a wide variety of CNS conditions and injuries. Muscle spasms and stiffness can be a long-term symptom of: 

• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Stroke
• Spinal cord injuries
• Brain injuries

Intrathecal baclofen may be an effective option for spasticity treatment if your spasticity doesn’t improve with oral medications. IBT is also less likely to cause drowsiness than oral baclofen.

Get in touch

IBT management helps you stay on track with your spasticity treatment and remain independent in your routine. Call Delaware NeuroRehab or request an appointment online for baclofen pump management today.