Your doctor has recommended an intrathecal pump (IP) to manage your pain. IP is an FDA-
approved, programmable, surgically implanted medical device designed to relieve severe,
chronic pain. Your doctor will explain to you that the IP works by delivering tiny, precise doses
of pain medication directly into the intrathecal space (the fluid-filled area surrounding the spinal cord).The pump is a round, battery-powered titanium device, around the size and shape of a hockey puck implanted under the skin, usually in the abdominal area. A thin, flexible tube is threaded from the pump to the intrathecal space to distribute the medication on a preset schedule. A handheld device communicates wirelessly with the pump, allowing you to safely deliver a small extra dose ("bolus") of medication for breakthrough pain when needed. Because the medication goes straight to the pain-signaling receptors, patients typically achieve significant pain relief with only a fraction of the drug dose required by oral medications, dramatically reducing systemic side effects. If the trial medications successfully reduce your pain by at least 50% and improve your function, you can move forward with scheduling the permanent outpatient surgical implantation.

The psychological evaluation is a positive step toward controlling your pain and is required by
your insurance carrier as part of a standard protocol for eligibility for the procedure. It is
intended to assess your psychological suitability to ensure your safety and wellbeing. It provides
a starting point where you can begin to move forward at a pace that you’re comfortable with
while gaining confidence towards managing your pain effectively.
 

Your psychological evaluation begins with a consultation which provides you with an
opportunity to discuss how your past and current experiences have brought you to consider IP
and to discuss the symptoms that are getting in the way of doing the things that matter most to
you. During the evaluation process we will talk through the measures which help me understand your emotional wellbeing and how you process stress and manage pain. This provides a more comprehensive view of your psychological framework. Once completed, I will review the results with you, answer your questions, address any remaining concerns, and if needed, offer you suggestions to help tailor your treatment plan to your unique psychological framework. I'll then send the report to your physician.

While most people are great candidates for this procedure, we simply like to ensure there aren't
any psychological, emotional, cognitive, or lifestyle factors that might impact your safety or
recovery. If IP isn't psychologically the best fit for you right now, I’ll update your physician with
detailed feedback to ensure they have the information needed to recommend alternative
treatments or help you effectively manage your pain until you're ready to reconsider IP.
 

Our assessment provides safeguards that IP is a psychologically good fit for you and is fully
aligned with your wellness goals so you can focus on the moments that matter most and get back to the activities you enjoy.