Baclofen is a potent muscle relaxant that has been used orally for many years, but its administration in high doses by mouth after lower doses have not been effective can lead to undesirable side effects. Higher doses by mouth may not even be effective.

Continuous Baclofen infusion into the spinal fluid through a pump implanted in the skin and muscle outside the belly has been proven to provide many children with significant relief of spasticity by directly delivering the drug to the affected nerve cells, avoiding the side effects of medications by mouth. Because outpatient surgery is required, patients are screened for eligibility for this therapy. A Baclofen trial will be performed before therapy is initiated to ensure patient safety.