Sidra Medicine in Qatar Performs Region’s First Intraventricular Baclofen Therapy

Sidra Medicine Becomes First in Middle East to Perform Intraventricular Baclofen Therapy

Sidra Medicine, a specialist women’s and children’s hospital and a member of Qatar Foundation, has achieved a regional medical milestone by becoming the first hospital in the Middle East to successfully perform two Intraventricular Baclofen Therapies. This cutting-edge procedure offers new hope for children and adolescents suffering from severe movement disorders, such as dystonia.

Dystonia is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, leading to repetitive movements or abnormal postures. The procedures were performed on two young patients, both of whom experienced significant improvements in their condition post-surgery.

Dr. Ian Pople, Chief of Neurosurgery at Sidra Medicine, who led the surgeries, highlighted the importance of the achievement.

“Unlike traditional intrathecal Baclofen therapy, which delivers medication into the spinal fluid through a pump placed in the lower back, the intraventricular method delivers the drug directly into the brain’s ventricles. This provides a more effective solution for patients with generalized dystonia affecting the whole body,” Dr. Pople explained.

He further noted that integrating advanced neurosurgical techniques with comprehensive rehabilitation support is crucial in ensuring the best outcomes for patients.

Innovative Treatment Process

The intraventricular therapy begins with the placement of a ventricular reservoir to enable a trial of Baclofen. This is a minimally invasive procedure, guided by neuronavigation technology, and typically requires only an overnight hospital stay.

Following healing, patients undergo a three-day trial phase, where the medication is administered via an external pump to assess their response. Upon a successful trial, a permanent Baclofen pump is implanted for continuous delivery, with dosages gradually optimized to control symptoms and improve quality of life.

Adam’s Story: A Life Transformed

One of the patients, a young boy named Adam, showed remarkable improvement after the treatment.

“Before surgery, Adam’s condition disrupted every aspect of his life. After the procedure, his movements became manageable, and he began to regain control. It gave us hope and brought peace back into our lives,” his mother said.

Advancing Pediatric Neurology in Qatar

Sidra Medicine is also home to Qatar’s first pediatric Movement Disorders Clinic, which specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions like spasticity and dystonia. The clinic adopts a multidisciplinary approach, involving experts in neurology, neurosurgery, rehabilitation medicine, and therapy. It offers both surgical and non-surgical treatments for children who do not respond to conventional therapies.

This achievement reaffirms Sidra Medicine’s commitment to delivering world-class healthcare, especially in the field of pediatric neurology and neurosurgery. With advanced technology and a patient-centered approach, the hospital continues to pioneer transformative treatments that improve the lives of children across Qatar and the wider region.