Treatment Options for Severe Spasticity Due to Stroke

There are a lot of choices for treating severe spasticity caused by a stroke. One option to consider is ITB Therapy, which uses a Medtronic implantable pump system to deliver medication at a programmed rate based on your individual needs. It can help you by significantly reducing severe spasticity.^1,2

There is currently no cure for severe spasticity. However, there are a number of treatment options available for managing your symptoms. They include:

Rehabilitation Therapy

Rehabilitation therapy usually takes place in a clinic, a hospital, or at home. It can include any combination of physical, occupational, or speech therapy.

Oral Medication

Oral medications may help some people treat the symptoms of spasticity.

Neurosurgeries

Neurodestructive surgical procedures include selective dorsal rhizotomy, in which the dorsal (sensory) nerve roots are severed.

Injection Therapy

Injection therapy is usually intended for specific muscle groups (for example, one hand, one foot, one shoulder).

Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic surgeries include soft tissue procedures like tendon transfers and osteotomies (cutting a bone to change its alignment).

ITB Therapy

ITB Therapy^SM is an adjustable, reversible treatment for severe spasticity. A surgically placed pump and catheter deliver a liquid form of anti-spastic medication directly to the fluid around the spinal cord, where it’s needed most.

References

1. Ivanhoe CB, Francisco GE, McGuire JR, Subramanian T, Grissom SP. Intrathecal baclofen management of poststroke spastic hypertonia: implications for function and quality of life. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2006;87(11):1509-1515
2. Meythaler JM, Guin-Refroe S, Brunner, RC, Hadley MN. Intrathecal baclofen for spastic hypertonia from stroke. Stroke. 2001;32(9):2099-2109.

Safety Information

Safety information concerning ITB Therapy^SM
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