Intrathecal Medication Administration in Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Administering medication directly into the intrathecal space, especially in the spinal canal, has continued to be of interest.Adrug concentrated in this region of the nervous system should provide the most direct effect. The current administration of intrathecal baclofen has been used for this reason by means of a battery powered pump implant that is placed in the abdomen and an intrathecal catheter that is introduced into the intrathecal space within the spine. The pump is controlled with an external radiowave-mediated controller, and the pump reservoir is filled by direct injection through the overlying skin. The administration may be continuous or the pump can be programmed to have higher doses over a short time and utilize a flexible dosing regimen as desired. Rare potential side effects have been reported including infection, catheter malfunction, and weakness uncovered with reduction in spasticity. The treatment of intrathecal infusion of baclofen is widely beneficial in the management of movement disorders, severe spasticity, enhancement of range of motion, increase in motor function and mobility, alleviating discomfort, and aids in overall care whether used stand alone and/or in conjunction with common modalities of pharmacology agents, physical therapy, and orthopedic surgery for nonambulatory and ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy.