Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy Treatment in Turkey
About Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay:
3-5 days
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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 Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for intrathecal baclofen therapy in Turkey include Liv Hospital Ankara, Istinye Üniversitesi Hastanesi Liv, Medical Park Gaziosmanpaşa, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Bahçelievler, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform intrathecal baclofen therapy. MediFyr helps you compare neurologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
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 Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing intrathecal baclofen therapy.
Instabul, Turkey
140 Doctors
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.