a tube (called the 'catheter') connected directly to the base of the spine, where it bathes the spinal cord using a dose about one thousand times smaller than that required by orally-administered baclofen. Intrathecal baclofen also carries none of the side effects, such as sleepiness, that typically occur with oral baclofen. However, intrathecal baclofen pumps carry serious clinical risks, such as infection or a possibly fatal sudden malfunction, that oral baclofen does not. A tremendous amount of care is taken to ensure the optimal location of the pump and catheter, based upon medical considerations and patient requirements. See also Cancer pain/Interventional/Intrathecal pump History of neuraxial anesthesia Intrathecal pump Theca Thecal sac References Medical treatments Routes of administration Dosage forms