Sometimes, when sitting, her legs would automatically straighten out in front of her. These episodes of spasticity could last for days. Another patient, George, sustained severe brain injury when his car struck a tree. Often, while bathing, spasms caused his foot to kick up, gnashing his toes on the faucet. Now, the spasms of many of these patients can be controlled by the Metronic Implantable Drug Pump.
Surgeons insert the pump under the abdominal skin.
It's then connected to a thin, flexible catheter that delivers medication directly to the intrathecal space. This is the area surrounding the spinal cord. Since the drug is delivered intrathecally, a smaller dose is required causing fewer side-effects. The pump is refilled by a nurse every four to six weeks. Relieved of spasm, patients can lead a more normal life.