Permanent mechanical deformation of an intrathecal baclofen pump secondary to scuba diving: a case report.

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To describe the case of a spinal cord injury patient that went scuba diving resulting in a mechanical deformation of his intrathecal baclofen pump. SETTING: University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: Diving below 10 meters of depth can result in irreversible mechanical damage of the drug reservoir of an intrathecal baclofen pump. CONCLUSION: Patients with an intrathecal baclofen pump should be warned for the risks associated with scuba diving and should not dive more than 10 meters below sea level.