Intrathecal Baclofen

Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy (ITB) is a treatment option used to manage severe spasticity of cerebral or spinal origin. The treatment works by reducing muscle hyperactivity, allowing more normal motor movements.

What we do

We aim to reduce a patient’s muscle tone and help them to gain better control of spasms. We also work with patients to reduce pain associated with spasticity and to improve positioning, prevent contractures in the long term

It is also important that we ease the task of caring for carers of children with severe spasticity, including hygiene, dressing and positioning in a wheelchair.

This service is provided for:

• Children with severe spasticity and/or dystonia which may impede or mask existing motor control
• Children who develop unacceptable side-effects to anti-spasticity medications
• Children whose positioning and ease of care could be improved

How the service works

Children are assessed by a team which includes a Paediatric Neurologist, Paediatric Neurosurgeon, ITB Nurse Specialist and Senior Neurophysiotherapist. Once the team have assessed the child they would then discuss the results of the test dose with the child/parents and the expectations/goals to be achieved by the child/young person having an ITB pump inserted.

If the team considers that the child would benefit from ITB therapy, then an elective admission is organised for a test dose of ITB. The child is then assessed by the Senior Neurophysiotherapist during this admission. Once the test dose has been completed, if the test dose is positive and parents agree for their child to have an ITB pump inserted, then the child will be readmitted at a later date for ITB pump implantation.

Referrals

Children can be referred by GPs, Consultant Paediatricians, Paediatric Neurosurgeons and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons.

• Monthly Tuesday pm clinics (entire team). Held at the Resource Centre at Ryegate Children’s Centre.
• Weekly Thursday am clinics (nurse/physio led). Held at the assessment unit at Ryegate Childrens Centre.

Research

Rapid progression of scoliosis following insertion of intrathecal baclofen pump. Care provider assessment of intrathecal baclofen in children using patient/carer surveys.