Learn about Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy

Intrathecal Baclofen (ITB) Therapy is a specialized treatment for severe, chronic spasticity that is not adequately controlled by oral medications. Performed by a neurologist, this procedure involves the surgical implantation of a programmable pump in the abdomen, which delivers a precise, continuous dose of the muscle relaxant baclofen directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord (the intrathecal space). This targeted delivery allows for much higher concentrations at the site of action with significantly lower systemic side effects compared to oral baclofen. ITB therapy is a life-changing intervention for patients with conditions like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or stroke, offering dramatic relief from painful muscle stiffness, spasms, and rigidity, thereby improving mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life.

Key Highlights

    Delivers medication directly to the spinal fluid for maximum effect at the source of spasticity.Uses significantly lower drug doses than oral medication, reducing systemic side effects like drowsiness and weakness.Features a programmable, refillable pump allowing for precise, adjustable dosing tailored to the patient's needs.Provides continuous, 24/7 relief from severe muscle stiffness, spasms, and pain.Can dramatically improve functional abilities, ease of care, posture, and overall quality of life.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Severe spasticity from cerebral palsy (especially in children and adults).
  • Spasticity related to multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating diseases.
  • Spasticity resulting from spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury.
  • Post-stroke spasticity that is debilitating and unresponsive to other treatments.
  • Intractable spasticity causing pain, contractures, or interfering with hygiene, seating, or sleep.
  • Patients who experience intolerable side effects from high doses of oral anti-spasticity medications.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive neurological evaluation and confirmation of diagnosis by a neurologist.
  • A screening trial involving a single intrathecal baclofen injection via lumbar puncture to assess positive response.
  • Pre-operative medical clearance, which may include blood tests, ECG, and imaging.
  • Discussion of goals, expectations, and commitment to long-term pump management with the medical team.
  • Informing the doctor of all current medications, allergies, and medical history.
  • Fasting for 6-8 hours prior to the scheduled surgery as instructed.

Risks & possible complications

  • Surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, or reaction to anesthesia.
  • Pump or catheter-related issues: Mechanical failure, kinking, blockage, dislodgement, or infection.
  • Medication-related complications: Overdose (leading to drowsiness, respiratory depression) or underdose/withdrawal (causing severe rebound spasticity, fever, hallucinations).
  • Potential for meningitis or spinal headache.
  • Rare complications like paralysis or nerve damage.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay for monitoring of pump function and surgical site.
  • Incision care instructions to keep the area clean and dry until healed.
  • Gradual titration of the baclofen dose by the neurologist via external programmer over days to weeks.
  • Education on recognizing signs of overdose or withdrawal and knowing emergency procedures.
  • Scheduled follow-up appointments for wound checks, pump refills (every 1-6 months), and dose adjustments.
  • Avoidance of strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and twisting at the waist for several weeks post-surgery.
  • Carrying an implant identification card at all times.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 3-5 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for full surgical recovery; dose optimization continues for several months

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering intrathecal baclofen therapy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for intrathecal baclofen therapy compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 9,360 – USD 19,821 3-5 days ~ 4-6 weeks for full surgical recovery; dose optimization continues for several months Know More
Turkey USD 69,663 – USD 147,521 3-5 days ~ 4-6 weeks for full surgical recovery; dose optimization continues for several months Know More

Top hospitals for Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing intrathecal baclofen therapy.

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432+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
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2478+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
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1610+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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91+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
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6016+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Mysore

  • IconMysore, India
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1837+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salem

  • IconSalem, India
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847+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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180+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Vijayawada

  • Iconvijayawada, India
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2882+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
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534+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

  • IconBangalore, India
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5990+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
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5734+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
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279+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors
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98+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon30 Doctors
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65+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
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135+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
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12320+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon78 Doctors
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185+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors
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872+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Millers Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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1161+ Rating

Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
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694+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Kharadi

  • IconPune, India
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156+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
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181+ Rating

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Krishna Das, a 42-year-old software engineer...

Krishna Das, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) eight years ago. Over time, he developed severe spasticity in his legs and lower back, making it agonizing to sit at his desk, walk, or even sleep through the night. Oral baclofen provided minimal relief and left him in a constant mental fog, impacting his work and time with his children. His neurologist, seeing Krishna's declining quality of life and the ineffectiveness of oral medications, recommended Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy (ITB). She explained that a small pump would deliver the medication directly to his spinal fluid, offering better spasticity control with far lower, less sedating doses. Krishna was terrified of the surgery but desperate for change. The implant procedure went smoothly. After a short hospital stay for dose titration, he went home. The recovery involved some soreness at the pump site, but within weeks, the relentless tightness in his muscles began to melt away. He could think clearly again without the medication haze. The emotional journey was profound. Before, he felt trapped in a body that was betraying him, grieving the active father he once was. After, while his MS remains, the constant pain and stiffness are managed. He can play board games with his kids without wincing and has returned to work part-time. He describes the ITB pump not as a cure, but as a key that unlocked him from his own body, restoring a sense of agency and peace.

Neurologists for Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy

Explore experienced neurologists who regularly perform intrathecal baclofen therapy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Sameer Arora
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sumit Singh
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Aditya Choudhary K
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 600
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. S Ravindran
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Advait Kulkarni
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nitti Kapoor Kaushal
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Apratim Chatterjee
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayanta Roy
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Santhosh N S
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Santosh Sontakke
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 600
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayachandran R
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Indranil Ghosh
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Swati N Patil
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Satwant Sachdeva
  • 37 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rahul Chandhok
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sounak Chabri
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ms. Chhaya Sinha Goel
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Venugopal Krishna
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tridib Chandra Chowdhury
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Parul Dubey
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Neurologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa , Panaji

OPD-desk synced • Updated