Is a baclofen pump right for You?
At DUMC, the neurosurgeons have perfected a technique known as the Baclofen Pump Trial. It is sometimes difficult to determine just how the muscles will react to certain amounts of this medicine. This trial allows for the assessment of specific doses of the medicine to try to determine the correct dosage, and also, if this child is a good candidate for a Baclofen pump.
Is it safe to take baclofen for muscle spasms or pain?
3.Test dose of intrathecal baclofen at Johns Hopkins (to be scheduled by the neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins’ Pediatric Neurosurgery Center). If we determine your child is a good candidate for baclofen pump placement, you’ll continue the process with the following steps: 4.Baclofen pump placement at Johns Hopkins (to be scheduled by the
What is baclofen pump for the treatment of spasticity?
Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital's inpatient neurological recovery center provides comprehensive acute care for individuals who have experienced complications from neurologic disorders such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, post-polio conditions, myopathies, multiple sclerosis, meningitis and other neurological conditions. Multidisciplinary …
What does baclofen do to the brain?
The neuro-radiologist will perform a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) procedure to inject a small amount of baclofen around the spinal cord. For the lumbar puncture most patients lie on their abdomen (belly) and the doctor uses fluoroscopy in order to insert a needle between two lumbar vertebrae (spinal bones).
Who qualifies for a Baclofen pump?
Consider a baclofen pump if: You aren't getting enough relief from other spasticity treatments. You're struggling with the drug side effects like drowsiness, confusion, weakness, and nausea. You have severe spasticity from a traumatic brain injury that occurred at least one year ago.
What is tone management?
Tone management is one of the primary roles of a pediatric physiatrist. Hypertonicity frequently inhibits normal movement patterns in children with central nervous system lesions but at times can reinforce muscle group firing and be useful for a child's function.
How do occupational therapists reduce spasticity?
The most commonly indicated treatments for spasticity, in descending order, were positioning, prolonged muscle stretching, splinting, motor-level stimulation, other treatment modalities (options not listed), vibration, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), traction, and prolonged icing (see Table 2).
How do you inhibit tones?
Neutral Warmth. It is one of the most common methods used to inhibit postural tone and muscle activity. Neutral warmth acts through stimulating the thermoreceptors and activating of parasympathetic responses. Usually, 10-20 minutes are sufficient period to produce an effect.
What to do if spasticity is well controlled?
If the spasticity is well-controlled during the screening trial and there are no other medical concerns, the next step is to meet with the neurosurgeon. Your Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) provider will assist you in obtaining the appointment with the neurosurgeon.
How many people have spasms?
In the United States, an estimated 500,000 people have spasticity. Spasticity results in muscle spasm and stiffness that may be painful and interfere with activities of daily living. Common causes of spasticity are cerebral palsy, brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke and multiple sclerosis. It is often possible to treat spasticity effectively with oral medications. In cases of severe spasticity that is not controlled with oral medications or when the patient has medication side effects, doctors may recommend a baclofen pump.
Can you take baclofen with a prescription?
You will receive a prescription for oral baclofen tablets to use in an emergency, if the baclofen pump fails. There will be directions on the bottle, so you will be safe taking the correct dose. Keep the bottle available at home and take it with you when you leave home for more than a day.
What is the Patient and Visitor Hotel Accommodations Program?
The Patient and Visitor Hotel Accommodations Program can locate and reserve hotel accommodations near the University Hospital for patients and families. Hotels offer preferred rates when reservations are made through the program.
How long does a pump last?
The pump has a lithium battery with a service life of six (6) years. The battery must to be replaced before it reaches the end of the six year service-life period.
Is neurosurgery invasive?
Minimally invasive surgery offers smaller incisions, less pain, faster recovery and another viable option for patients who may not be good candidates for open surgical procedures due to age or health reasons. Treating neurological conditions from within blood vessels to the brain, endovascular neurosurgery is a modern surgical method that provides an alternative to traditional surgery. At NorthShore, our experts are skilled at advanced endovascular neurosurgical procedures that require specialized training not found in every hospital.
Does NorthShore have a spasticity pump?
NorthShore offers severe spasticity management for patients with multiple sclerosis. The Neurological Institute’s baclofen pump program helps patients achieve maximum functionality and improve their comfort with an implanted intrathecal baclofen pump. The program includes clinical evaluation, a baclofen screening test, pump implantation by a neurosurgery specialist, and long-term titration and management.
What is Visualase used for?
A minimally invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided technique, it is used for surgically treating patients with brain tumors and other conditions such as epilepsy.
Does NorthShore offer gammatile therapy?
NorthShore is the first-and-only in the state to offer a new innovative Surgically Targeted Radiation Therapy (STaRT)— GammaTile Therapy—performed by our skilled and experienced neurosurgeons. Aggressive brain tumors can recur—or regrow—despite successful surgery and other standard of care cancer therapies. GammaTile Therapy is a new approach to treating malignant brain tumors, and is the first radiation therapy specifically designed for use inside the brain to immediately target areas most at risk for recurrence.
What is stereotactic radiosurgery?
Stereotactic radiosurgery expands the depth and breadth of treatment options our practitioners can offer to patients to treat hard-to-reach areas of the brain. This technology allows our neurosurgical experts to team with radiation oncologists and other health professionals at NorthShore to precisely target various tumors and other conditions of the brain and spine with highly potent doses of radiation. This minimally invasive outpatient technique preserves surrounding healthy tissue while killing tumor cells. Reducing and/or eliminating both benign and malignant tumors, stereotactic radiosurgery offers patients excellent treatment results—especially when conventional surgery is not an option.
Does radiation cause hair loss?
Fewer side effects typically associated with radiation treatment, including hair loss. Zero lag time between surgical wound healing and the beginning of radiation therapy. Eliminates hospital or clinic visits for radiation therapy no longer necessary, allowing you to go about your daily life.
What is NorthShore for brain cancer?
NorthShore offers a minimally invasive surgical technique that provides new hope to brain cancer patients with tumors that used to be considered inoperable. The NICO 6 pillar approach is a safe, effective surgical solution for removing tumors, blood clots and other growths located deep within the brain -- all through an opening smaller than a dime. It is uniquely designed to minimize the risk of damage to areas of the brain that control speech, memory, vision and other functions. It may also reduce length of hospital stay.
What is the name of the drug that is used to treat muscle spasms?
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant sold under the brand name Lioresal. It is used to treat muscle spasms such as those caused by multiple sclerosis or injuries. It works by activating GABA receptors in the brain, causing a relaxing effect.
Does baclofen help with alcohol cravings?
However, given the success of baclofen in clinical trials and individual reports to help to suppress alcohol cravings, those suffering from alcohol problems and the professionals who treat them should be educated about its potential benefits and risks.
Can you take baclofen with alcohol?
You should not try baclofen for suppression of alcohol cravings without close supervision from your doctor. Even if you have been prescribed baclofen for muscle spasms or pain, do not try it at higher doses than you have been prescribed without talking to your doctor in detail.
Can baclofen cause seizures?
Also, as with benzodiazepines, stopping baclofen abruptly can cause serious problems, such as panic attacks and even seizures.
Is baclofen safe for you?
Like any drug, baclofen is not without risks. The most commonly reported side effects are drowsiness and dry mouth. These seem to appear at higher doses, while those who take lower doses experience fewer side effects.
What is the phone number for neurosurgery?
Neurosurgery. Call 781-744-7580. In This Section. The Department of Neurosurgery at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center is at the forefront of brain and spine surgery.
What is the phone number for Lahey Hospital?
For more information about the Department of Neurosurgery at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, or to refer a patient, please call 781.744.7580.