What is an Intrathecal Baclofen Pump?
The intrathecal baclofen pump, the motorized device that delivers the drug baclofen to patients such as Joe Browne, was first developed in the early 1980s.
The system consists of a pump and a catheter that are surgically placed under the skin. By dispensing the drug into the fluid-filled area around the spinal cord (known as the intrathecal space), the pump provides improved range of motion, reduced muscle contractions and a general improvement in quality of life for patients.
Some patients with cerebral palsy, such as Joe, are good candidates for the pump, as are some who experience muscle tightness associated with brain injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke and spinal cord injury or disease.
Leland Albright, MD, a UW Health pediatric neurosurgeon who has been implanting the intrathecal baclofen pump in patients since 1988, says many children who suffer from spasticity or dystonia – central nervous system disorders often associated with cerebral palsy – have benefited from the device.
"Children who are treated with the pump usually notice a reduction in pain because the drug helps relieve muscle tightness." Albright says, "We are pleased to offer something like this that often improves quality of life for the patient and makes caregiving easier for the entire family."
Only a handful of pediatric neurosurgeons – including Dr. Albright – have performed the surgery to implant the pump on large numbers of children. Patients come to Madison from all over the country for this type of surgery and other procedures being done at UW.
More information is available by contacting the Spasticity and Movement Disorders Clinic at the UW’s Waisman Center at (608) 263-7335.
