MedifocusHealth

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Spinal fluid leaks
• Injury to the spinal cord
• Malfunction of the pump

Side effects of morphine include:

• Nausea/vomiting
• Urine retention
• Itching
• Constipation
• Confusion
• Sexual dysfunction

Implantable spinal pumps are considered a last resort therapy and should be only considered if the patient doesn't respond to spinal cord stimulation or has multiple pain sites. Before a patient can be considered for intrathecal medication, it is important to evaluate several factors such as:

• If the patient has had any adverse response to any systemic medications
• If the patient is motivated to pursue functional rehabilitation when they experience symptom relief from the implantable pump
• If the patient is psychologically stable and can control their medications in an appropriate manner
• If the patient understands the risks and benefits of this therapy
• How the patient has responded to all previous treatments

Implantable spinal pump is contraindicated in the following conditions:

• If the patient is intolerant to the medications used in the pump
• If the patient has an infection
• If the patient has problems with blood clotting