INTRATHECAL DRUG DELIVERY

Intrathecal drug delivery systems are an advanced form of targeted pain management. By using a small, automated pump implanted beneath the skin, these systems administer medication directly to the spinal cord, bypassing the digestive system and delivering pain medications precisely targeted where they are needed most, around the spinal cord.

By delivering pain medication directly to the spinal cord, intrathecal drug delivery systems interrupt pain signals in the spine, which allows effective management of some severe chronic pain disorders.

Intrathecal drug delivery as an advanced pain management treatment, showcases the remarkable effectiveness of targeting drug delivery to the precise level on the spinal cord where it is required to treat pain. 

This innovative system employs an implanted pump, delivering medication precisely into the spinal fluid, targeting pain receptors with unparalleled accuracy. 

Did you know that when pain medications are swallowed they are significantly metabolised (broken down by the body) even before they reach the blood stream and hence only a small amount of pain medication swallowed gets to the target location when delivered by the blood stream? 

By bypassing the digestive system, intrathecal drug delivery, ensures medications delivered are up to 300 times more potent than compared to oral medications, reducing the necessary dosage by 1/300th, thereby mitigating potential systemic side effects and dependency concerns.  

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN AN INTRATHECAL PUMP HELP WITH??

Intrathecal pumps offer valuable relief for various challenging pain conditions, primarily targeting three distinct types of pain:

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain, stemming from peripheral or central nervous system conditions that trigger pain, often responds well to intrathecal pump-delivered local anaesthetics rather than relying solely on medications like opioids. Neuropathic pain syndromes that it can be used for includes, CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome), phantom limb pain, post-herpetic neuralgia and persistent spinal pain syndrome (PSPS). 

Intrathecal drug delivery can be particularly useful in treating pain related to various cancer conditions that are not responsive to the usual forms of cancer pain treatment. 

Nociceptive Pain

Primarily associated with tissue irritation, nociceptive pain tends to be localised and continuous. Intrathecal pump administration can be beneficial in managing this type of pain, offering a potential solution for those experiencing persistent nociceptive discomfort like those with severe spinal pain. 

Spasmodic Pain

Effective treatment for spasmodic pain involves certain muscle relaxants, which can be administered via intrathecal pumps. Conditions leading to abnormal muscle tightening or increased tone, like stroke, brain or spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis can benefit from this method.

Intrathecal pumps thus emerge as a versatile and effective option for managing a spectrum of complex pain conditions, providing targeted relief tailored to specific pain types.

This targeted and precise approach not only optimises the therapeutic benefits of pain medications but also minimises the dosage required, reducing the likelihood of side effects. Patients may experience improved pain control, greater mobility, and reduced reliance on higher doses of oral medications, leading to a better quality of life. 

With the ability to adjust dosing as needed, these systems offer personalised care, providing consistent and effective pain relief for those struggling with chronic pain conditions. 

Pain Specialists Australia offers a variety of pain management treatment approaches for chronic pain.

Reach out today to discuss your options. Click the Contact Us button below to get in touch with our friendly team.