An intrathecal pump, often referred to as an implanted intrathecal drug delivery system, or IDDS can precisely deliver medication directly to the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. In addition, the fact that this pain pump is surgically implanted adds to the mystery surrounding it. Are you curious about the operation of an intrathecal pump and whether or not it is reliable?
Discover more details in the smart mini-guide below, including how efficient could an intrathecal pain pump be.
A Brief Overview of the Intrathecal Pain Pump
An intrathecal pump is a medical device that consists of a pump, a medicine reservoir, and a catheter. It is intended for use in patients who are unable to find relief from their severe, persistent pain or spasticity via the use of alternative treatments. It is more effective to take medication through a pump that delivers it right to the nerves and spinal cord than it is to take medication by mouth or through a vein.
The drug will be delivered to the central nervous system in very small doses via the pump, which has been set to do so. In order to accomplish this, it first removes the drug from the container and then pumps it into the spinal cord using the catheter.
It’s possible that your doctor will suggest a pain pump to help with the following:
- Spasticity is a stiffening of the muscles that can be caused by cerebral palsy, a stroke, multiple sclerosis, or damage to the brain or spinal cord.
- Pain in the back or neck, including that which may be caused by spinal stenosis, spondylosis, compression fractures, or painful disks.
- Pain in the trunk, especially postherpetic neuralgia, is a persistent pain that continues after an infection caused by shingles.
- Aching in the abdomen or the pelvis
- The worst possible agony
- Pain caused by peripheral nerve damage
- Pain that is caused by cancer, whether it be the disease itself or therapies like chemotherapy.
- Rarely, additional refractory (severe) chronic pain disorders, which occur after more conservative pain medications have been unsuccessful in treating the issue
What kinds of drugs are administered with an intrathecal pump?
It is possible to administer opioid pain drugs, baclofen (a medication that treats muscular spasms and helps alleviate spasticity), or anesthetics (medications that help numb the area being treated) through an intrathecal pump. Painkillers such as ziconotide and clonidine are examples of other pharmaceuticals that are frequently utilized.
