Intrathecal Pumps

Intrathecal Pump Pain Treatment

Intrathecal pumps are tools implanted in the spinal cord that deliver pain medication to a specific area of the body. Depending on the condition, the pump may administer an opioid, like morphine, or a muscle relaxant, such as baclofen.

Advantages of Intrathecal Pumps

The main advantages of intrathecal pumps include:

• Effectiveness: Many patients have experienced significant pain relief using an intrathecal pump.
• Targeted relief: Before implanting the pump, a trial period tests the type of medication to ensure effective pain relief.
• Low dose of medication: Since the medication is delivered directly to the source of pain, patients need less pain medication. For example, to provide equivalent effects on pain, roughly 300mg of morphine would need to be given for 1mg of Intrathecal morphine.
• Fewer side effects associated with medication: Since a very low dose of medication is required, patients do not experience any severe side effects, such as sedation, nausea, and vomiting.

Conditions Treated with Intrathecal Pumps

This tool can provide effective pain relief for:

• Failed back surgery syndrome
• Cancer pain
• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Cerebral palsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Stroke
• Brain injury
• Spinal cord injury

Comprehensive Pain Management Care at Weill Cornell Medicine

Our physicians are leading experts in pain management treatments, including intrathecal pumps. This treatment, when combined with our multifaceted and compassionate care, delivers a high level of pain relief for our patients.

If you would like to find out more about intrathecal pumps to relieve pain, please contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Learn more about the conditions we treat and the services we offer.