Written by Bret K.
Baclofen pumps tend to help a lot with spasms. Neurologists usually test it out first before they actually put one in you. With me, I have a baclofen pump, they tested me first. They tried to separate my legs with no baclofen and because of the amount of spasticity in my legs; it did not go so well. Then they shot baclofen directly into my spine with a needle, tried to separate my legs again, and it worked very well.
A baclofen pump is a medical device used to deliver small quantities of medication directly into the spinal fluid. A baclofen pump is best described as an intrathecal pump. There is no age limit on these devices, but the youngest patient to effectively receive a pump was four years old. The baclofen medication reportedly reduces the amount of spasticity throughout the body. It also tends to reduce the amount and severity of spasms.
The baclofen pump is surgically placed within the abdominal area. The patient is generally placed on bed rest for two to three days following the procedure. While on bed rest, intravenous antibiotics are given for the first day after pump insertion. The baclofen medication is increased at minimal rates over the next couple of weeks. It can be adjusted as needed throughout time. Spasticity is noticeably decreased within four to five days after the pump has been inserted.
Following the initial procedure there is a few follow up procedures to take account of. Medication needs to be refilled into the pump every two to six months; this can be done by the physician or physician’s assistant. They may also need to adjust the amount of medication that is dispersed at that time. Generally medication is increased for the first year after insertion. The pump runs on a battery, and when the battery dies, the pump must be replaced. Depending on the exact pump and your dosage levels the pump should be replaced every five to eight years. This device has been used for over 15 years with no long term complications. The amount of spasticity reduced depends greatly on the pump placement, as well as the amount of medication dispersed. The pump may need to be moved after initial insertion, varying by the individual.
With every medication or treatment, there are both positive and negative side effects on the mind, body, and spirit. The most common complaints of baclofen users tend to be; difficulty voiding, constipation, headaches and dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Not all patients with the baclofen pump experience these symptoms, or do very rarely.
Some less common side effects of the baclofen medication can include seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there, blurred or sometimes double vision, and muscle weakness. Some patients have reported shortness of breath or trouble breathing, fainting, mental depression, ringing in the ears, and occasionally grand mal seizures. Again, these are less common side effects and not all pump recipients experienced all side effects listed.
There is a chance, as with any medication, of a baclofen overdose. If you experience any of the following please see your physician immediately. Symptoms of overdose can include mental confusion, increased watering of the mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, grand mal seizures, muscle weakness, nausea, and vomiting. The patient may have one or more of the side effects occurring at the same time or consecutively.
If you have been on this medication regimen, and it is not working out there are some notable side effects of abruptly stopping the baclofen medication. These symptoms include decreased heartbeat, increased muscle spasms, facial flushing, headache, increased sweating, seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there, and even grand mal seizures. If you are considering stopping this medication, be sure to see your physician and discuss with him/her advantages and disadvantages.
The body may go through some symptoms of withdrawal if a) you abruptly stop the baclofen medication, or b) the pump can run low or out of medication to disperse. If this occurs, be sure to see your physician as soon as possible. Withdrawal symptoms include; seizures, blurred vision, confusion, itching, burning sensation, feeling like pins and needles are poking you , unusually or easily becoming tired or weak, dizziness, faintness, and unusual sweating. These are just a few symptoms, but you know your body the best. If there is anything unusual occurring, you should make an appointment see your physician as soon as possible or head to the emergency room.
There are some rumors running the rumor mill pertaining to the baclofen pump. One myth is that a test dose is given to see if the patient is a good pump candidate, in truth this test is performed to see if the baclofen medication reduces the amount of spasticity in the individual. Another myth is that the pump only reduces spasticity in the legs. In truth, having a baclofen pump can reduce spasticity throughout the body, depending on the placement of the catheter delivering the medication to the spinal cord fluid.
All in all, a baclofen pump is a good thing if you’re the right candidate for one. The doctor or physician can tell you or your guardian if you are a good candidate for a baclofen pump. Good luck if you’re in this situation and need a baclofen pump.
