Long-term management of patients with interspinal drug delivery systems

Interspinal drug delivery via pump for chronic pain and spasticity is only part of a more comprehensive patient management program for the long-term success of therapy. This therapy should not be relied upon solely, but rather used in conjunction with other rehabilitative modalities during long-term patient management. Physicians who manage these devices should be able to answer questions that arise from patients or other health-care providers regarding activity restrictions or other limitations imposed by this therapy. They should be able to recognize and treat side effects that arise from drugs used in the pump and complications related to the pump system. Physicians should also have a clear plan of action for patients whose symptoms are not well controlled. This review assesses the long-term management of patients who receive this therapy.