Which statement is true about intrathecal baclofen therapy for severe spasticity?

Which statement is true about intrathecal baclofen therapy for severe spasticity?

• A. It is administered orally.
• B. It is delivered directly into the spinal canal.
• C. It has no risk of infection.
• D. It is used to treat gout.

Answer: (B)

Intrathecal baclofen therapy works by delivering the drug directly into the fluid around the spinal cord via an implanted pump. This approach concentrates baclofen where spinal motor circuits control tone, allowing effective spasticity reduction at much lower systemic doses than oral administration. That targeted delivery means patients who have severe spasticity that doesn’t respond adequately to oral baclofen—or who can’t tolerate its widespread side effects—can achieve better control with fewer systemic effects. It requires surgical implantation of a catheter and pump and carries risks such as infection or catheter-related problems, and there is potential for overdose or respiratory depression if dosing isn’t carefully managed. This therapy is not given orally and is not used to treat gout.

Intrathecal baclofen therapy works by delivering the drug directly into the fluid around the spinal cord via an implanted pump. This approach concentrates baclofen where spinal motor circuits control tone, allowing effective spasticity reduction at much lower systemic doses than oral administration. That targeted delivery means patients who have severe spasticity that doesn’t respond adequately to oral baclofen—or who can’t tolerate its widespread side effects—can achieve better control with fewer systemic effects. It requires surgical implantation of a catheter and pump and carries risks such as infection or catheter-related problems, and there is potential for overdose or respiratory depression if dosing isn’t carefully managed. This therapy is not given orally and is not used to treat gout.