Intrathecal drug delivery

Abstract

Intrathecal drug delivery may be performed for malignant pain, nonmalignant pain, and spasticity. In all cases, patients must have persistent, debilitating pain or spasticity not responsive to more conservative treatments. They must also first undergo a trial of neuraxially administered medication showing at least a 50 % improvement in pain or functional status. These patients must be very carefully selected; contraindications include but are not limited to concurrent active infection, severe psychological comorbidities (e.g., substance abuse), and an inability to comply with medication refill schedule.