Dystonia treatment with baclofen pump placement

When the pills no longer help patients with dystonia, doctors implant a pump with the drug Baclofen into the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal wall. A "smart" device pumps Baclofen directly into the cerebrospinal fluid. The treatment improves patients' quality of life suffering from involuntary movements or muscle spasms. The patient can lead an active lifestyle, his pain decreases, sleep improves, and the drug's effectiveness is much higher than pills. The baclofen pump itself resembles a round metal disk consisting of 3 main parts:a battery that ensures uninterrupted operation for 5-7 years;pump, thanks to which the medicine is supplied in specific doses;the reservoir for the drug. Before the procedure, the patient undergoes a thorough examination. Then, physicians conduct a baclofen test, i. e. , inject it into the spinal space. The treatment is surgical, so special preparation is required. The patient is prepared for implantation if the test shows significant muscle relaxation. The procedure lasts from 1 to 2 hours. First, a pump is installed in the abdominal area. Then, a flexible thin catheter extending from it leads directly into the spinal canal. The Baclofen concentration in the spinal canal will be much higher than when taking the same medicine in tablets. In addition, oral pills cause side effects. Doctors use an ordinary syringe to charge the pump with a drug for five minutes. The charge is necessary one time in 3-6 months. After that, a neurosurgeon can temporarily turn off or remove the pump if necessary.