What is intrathecal catheter?

The placement of an intrathecal catheter is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at releasing drugs directly into the subarachnoid space for the control of pain in cancer and non-cancer conditions, and for managing severe spasticity in adults and children.

Is an epidural intrathecal?

Epidural analgesia is the administration of analgesics into the epidural space. Analgesics can be given either as a single injection or as a continuous infusion via an indwelling catheter. Intrathecal analgesia is the administration of analgesic drugs (as listed above) directly into the CSF in the intrathecal space.

What drugs can be given intrathecally?

Currently there are only three medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use via the intrathecal route, ie, morphine, ziconotide, and baclofen. Morphine targets opioid receptors within the dorsal horn.

What is the meaning of intrathecally?

(IN-truh-THEE-kul) Describes the fluid-filled space between the thin layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord. Drugs can be injected into the fluid or a sample of the fluid can be removed for testing.

What drugs can be given Intrathecally?

Is a spinal the same as an epidural?

Epidurals involve the injection into the space outside the sac (epidural space). Spinals and epidurals have the same effect – they both numb a large region of the body – but because the spinal injection is more direct, the effect is immediate.

What is the difference between intrathecal and epidural?

The difference between an epidural and intrathecal is that an epidural is a catheter that sits down next to the spinal sack that holds the cerebral spinal fluid. An intrathecal is a single injection that goes through that sack into the cerebral spinal fluid and administers medicine.

Will a spinal pump relieve my back and leg pain?

Spinal cord stimulation often works well and relieves leg pain but may not be as effective at reducing low back pain . Photo Source: 123RF.com. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has many benefits-mainly that it puts you in control of how much pain relief you need.

What are the side effects of pain pump?

Common side effects associated with the use of the Medtronic pain pump include, Urinary retention. Nausea and vomiting. Itching. Weakness. Facial flushing. Muscle twitching.

Are pain pumps safe?

Implantation of a pain pump is a relatively simple and safe procedure. However, an individual with a pain pump should be aware that there may be reactions or complications with their pain pump or catheter. Complications are rare but may include infections, development of a granuloma (tissue inflammation) or spinal damage.