Sidra Medicine pioneers intraventricular baclofen therapy

QATAR – Sidra Medicine, part of Qatar Foundation, has made history as the first hospital in the Middle East to successfully perform intraventricular baclofen therapy – a cutting-edge treatment for children with severe movement disorders.

The procedure was carried out on two young patients with dystonia, a neurological condition that causes painful, uncontrollable muscle movements.

Thanks to the advanced treatment, both patients showed remarkable improvement, highlighting Sidra Medicine’s leadership in pediatric neurosurgery.

The neurosurgical team, led by Dr. Ian Pople, Chief of Neurosurgery, performed the therapy using a unique approach.

Instead of delivering the medication into the spine, as done in traditional intrathecal therapy, the intraventricular method sends the drug straight into the brain’s ventricles. This allows for more precise treatment, especially for dystonia that affects the entire body.

“This technique improves how the medication works while also reducing side effects. It shows the importance of combining surgical skill with ongoing rehabilitation,” said Dr. Pople.

How the therapy works

The treatment begins with the placement of a small reservoir in the brain to test how the patient responds to baclofen.

Using neuronavigation technology, surgeons insert the device in a minimally invasive operation. The patient stays overnight for monitoring.

If the short trial goes well, a permanent baclofen pump is implanted to deliver the drug continuously. Over time, doctors fine-tune the dosage, helping ease symptoms and greatly improving the patient’s quality of life.

One of the first children to benefit from the procedure was Adam, whose life was severely impacted by dystonia.

“Before the surgery, Adam’s limbs were always moving. He couldn’t rest, focus, or enjoy school like other kids,” said his mother.

“After treatment at Sidra Medicine, his movements became calmer, and he gained control we hadn’t seen in years. These small changes brought hope back into our lives.”

Qatar’s first pediatric movement disorders clinic

Sidra Medicine is also home to Qatar’s first dedicated Movement Disorders Clinic for children.

The clinic helps young patients with spasticity and dystonia who haven’t improved with standard treatments. A specialized team, including experts in neurology, rehabilitation, and neurosurgery, offers both surgical and non-surgical solutions.

This clinic is part of Sidra Medicine’s broader mission to lead in pediatric neurology care in the region.

Beyond movement disorders, Sidra Medicine’s Neurosurgery Department treats a wide range of brain and spine conditions, including hydrocephalus, epilepsy, tumors, congenital issues, and spinal abnormalities.

By combining the latest medical technology with a compassionate, child-centered approach, the hospital is helping children live healthier, more independent lives.