What Is Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy?

Intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB Therapy) is a treatment that may relieve some of the symptoms of severe spasticity.

Depending on your specific condition, ITB Therapy may impact your severe spasticity in different ways. Treatment may be even more effective when used in combination with physical, occupational, or speech therapy.

How Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy Controls Severe Spasticity Caused by Cerebral Palsy

ITB therapy uses a surgically implanted programmable pump and catheter that delivers medication which helps relieve severe spasticity caused by cerebral palsy. This medication is a liquid form of baclofen that goes directly into the intrathecal space where fluid flows around the spinal cord.

Because baclofen is delivered directly to where it’s needed most, in the intrathecal space of the spinal cord, it relieves spasticity with smaller amounts of medication than when baclofen is taken orally. This method of delivery may help minimise side effects that can result from oral baclofen.

Therapy Components

The system consists of:

• Pump – a surgically placed, battery-powered programmable pump with a reservoir infuses the drug at a programmed rate via the catheter
• Catheter – a flexible silicone tube delivers medication from the pump to your body
• Liquid baclofen - a drug that reduces severe spasticity for some people

Section Navigation

• About Baclofen Pumps
• What Is It?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Additional information