Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy

ITB TherapySM (Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy), or the Medtronic baclofen pump, is a treatment that may relieve some of the symptoms of your severe spasticity. Since
1992, more than 50,000 Medtronic baclofen pumps have been used worldwide to manage severe spasticity related to a variety of conditions.

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.

Detail - Pump and catheter placement
How ITB Therapy Treats Severe Spasticity
ITB Therapy uses a surgically implanted programmable pump and catheter that delivers medication which helps relieve severe spasticity. This medication is a liquid form of baclofen called Lioresal® Intrathecal (baclofen injection), that goes directly into the intrathecal space where fluid flows around the spinal cord.

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

Therapy Components
The ITB Therapy 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
Lioresal Intrathecal – a liquid form of the medication baclofen


Although Medtronic ITB TherapySM (Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy) won’t eliminate the primary source of your condition or severe spasticity, it may help you manage the tight, stiff muscles that make daily living more difficult for you.

Benefits of ITB Therapy
ITB Therapy, also called the baclofen pump, has been shown to benefit people who have been affected by brain injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury in the following ways:

Multiple studies show it significantly reduces spasticity and spasms.1-9
In at least seven studies the therapy has helped people become more independent, allowing them to perform activities of daily living including feeding or dressing themselves, sitting more comfortably, or transferring more easily.10-16
Some studies have reported caregiver satisfaction with ITB Therapy.13-17
For people whose spasticity is of cerebral origin (cerebral palsy, brain injury, or stroke):

A study found that ITB Therapy may provide long-term control of spasticity in people living with cerebral palsy or brain injury.6
A number of studies have determined ITB Therapy reduces spasticity in both the upper and lower limbs of those living with cerebral palsy,
brain injury and stroke.2,3,18-20
In another study, ITB Therapy was shown to improve hygiene and transfer scores in patients living with brain injury.21