I’m having surgery on 7/12 to replace the catheter that attaches my intrathecal baclofen pump to my spine. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant medicine used to decrease spasticity related to any spinal cord injury. An intrathecal delivery system, which provides the baclofen right to the target site in the spinal cord, is an effective way to deliver the medicine. Baclofen Nurse is a muscle relaxant commonly used for spinal cord injuries.
Spasticity is a movement disorder that can occur in conditions which affect the brain or the spinal cord. Spasticity is caused by an imbalance between signals that inhibit or stimulate the spinal cord. This results in hyperexcitable stretch reflexes, increased muscle tone, and involuntary tremors.
When spasticity is diffuse and severe, such as my condition, intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is an appropriate treatment option.
Intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB) consists of delivering a liquid form of baclofen into the spinal fluid, using a device called a baclofen pump. This pump was surgically inserted near my stomach in February 2019. Then things went FUBAR within two weeks. My spasticity kicked into hyperdrive and has never fully relented.
I’m having my 5th surgery on the baclofen pump alone in the 2 and half years since it was implanted. Here’s hoping this alleviates my spasticity to free up my ability to move. Cross your fingers!
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