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Review
. 2025 Jan 4;29(1):9.
doi: 10.1007/s11916-024-01310-x.

Efficacy, Indications, and Safety of Intrathecal Baclofen Pump: A Narrative Review

Alan D Kaye  1 , Se Yun Cheon  2 , Morgan H Roque  3 , Caroline Gibbs  3 , Karlee R Mott  4 , Alex M Wandler  5 , Syeda T Munir  6 , Junyu Lin  7 , Shahab Ahmadzadeh  8 , Harish Siddaiah  8 , Sarah H Myers  8 , Kristin Nicole Bembenick  8 , Sahar Shekoohi  9
Affiliations
Review

Efficacy, Indications, and Safety of Intrathecal Baclofen Pump: A Narrative Review

Alan D Kaye et al. Curr Pain Headache Rep. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Baclofen, a muscle relaxant that reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters in the pre-synaptic neurons stimulating inhibitory neuronal signals in post-synaptic neurons, has been around for over 5 decades. Baclofen is used primarily for spasticity and since 1982, has had a role as an intrathecal agent. In the present investigation, we review research trends and updates on safety and efficacy of intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps.

Recent findings: Evaluation of safety and efficacy of ITB pumps in spasticity and relevant conditions was evaluated in the present investigation. PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were used to review appropriate related literature. Commonly reported aspects regarding ITB efficacy include comparison with alternative treatments, maintenance efficacy, and long-term outcomes. Safety considerations and risk factors associated with ITB include postoperative complications, withdrawal symptoms, tolerance issues, long-term management, and contraindications. In summary, the present investigation reveals that ITB is efficacious for muscle spasticity; however, efforts should be made to enhance safety and efficacy by providing improved best practice guidelines on maximum safe dose with the least amount of risk with individualized treatments.

Keywords: Baclofen/adverse effects; Cerebral palsy; Intrathecal baclofen; Neuromodulation; Pain management; Rehabilitation; Spastic pain; Spasticity.

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Conflict of interest statement

Compliance with Ethical Standards. Competing interests: ADK is the section editor for CPHRs. Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent: This article is based on previously conducted studies and does not contain any new studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

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