Medtronic ITB Therapy
Introduction
Medtronic ITB Therapy (Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy) is a treatment for individuals with severe spasticity - tight, stiff muscles - which can be a symptom of cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, spinal cord injury or stroke.
ITB Therapy delivers a medication called Lioresal® Intrathecal (baclofen injection) directly to the space where fluid flows around the spinal cord. The medication is administered in small doses using a programmable 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.
Your physician will surgically implant the pump, and HealthSouth clinicians will ensure you receive the proper amount of medication and adjust accordingly as your rehabilitation progresses.
Features
Medtronic's drug infusion pump system can be programmed from outside the body. When necessary, a HealthSouth clinician will use a computer-like external programmer to adjust the drug dose and/or infusion rate. This ensures that the most effective amount of medication needed to reduce the spasticity is received. The programming is usually done every two-to-three months when the pump is refilled. To refill the pump, the clinician injects Lioresal® Intrathecal through the skin into the pump's drug reservoir.
Contact Us
Medtronic ITB Therapy is offered at HealthSouth hospitals nationwide. Click here to request more information or to find a HealthSouth facility in your area that offers ITB Therapy.