What are the intrathecal-pump-related issues that could cause baclofen withdrawal?
According to the cited reference, intrathecal pump-related reasons for baclofen withdrawal could include catheter dislodgement, kinking, or migration; pump device malfunction; and reservoir under filling. Reservoir underfilling is when a reservoir is missed during the medication refill, leading to the placement of baclofen in a “pocket” around the pump.
Stetkarova I, Yablon SA, Kofler M, Stokic DS. Procedure- and device-related complications of intrathecal baclofen administration for management of adult muscle hypertonia: a review. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2010 Sep;24(7):609-19. doi: 10.1177/1545968310363585. Epub 2010 Mar 16. PMID: 20233964
Contributed by Juan Rodriguez, PGY-3 Emergency Medicine resident, St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima, Ohio