What is intrathecal analgesia (IA)?
IA is a type of pain control and is also called spinal anesthesia. Pain medicine is injected into the fluid (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) around your spinal cord to control pain from surgery or IA can also be used to control long-term pain from illnesses, such as cancer. In this case, a catheter is placed around your spinal cord, and a continuous infusion of pain medicine is delivered if the pain is chronic in nature and not responding to the usual medications
One of the most significant benefits of this treatment is the need for a lower medication dose. The benefit of a smaller dose is that the risk of side effects is minimized, such as nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation, and sleepiness. Other benefits are improved functioning and ability to perform activities and that the pump can be removed or reversible. Furthermore, the medication can be adjusted to account for the patient’s activity level and needs, and a trial of the therapy (lasting 4-7 days) can be carried out before placing a permanent device (the implant).
Why are Intrathecal Pumps Used?
The implants are helpful for the following pain conditions:
- Cancer pain
- Failed spinal surgery
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Amputation related pain
- Postherpetic neuralgia-pain that persists after a bout of shingles
- Peripheral nerve injury
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Cerebral palsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke