In-office Ketamine infusions

Ketamine Infusions for Chronic Pain: Overview

Ketamine infusions are an innovative treatment approach for managing chronic pain, particularly in cases where traditional therapies have been ineffective. Originally developed as an anesthetic, ketamine has gained attention for its potential to relieve severe, persistent pain and improve quality of life for patients with complex pain conditions.

Key Aspects of Ketamine Infusions for Chronic Pain:

1. Purpose and Benefits:
   - Pain Relief: Ketamine infusions are used to provide relief from chronic pain conditions that do not respond well to conventional treatments. This includes conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia.
   - Rapid Onset: Many patients experience significant pain relief and improvement in symptoms within hours to days following the infusion.
   - Enhanced Quality of Life: By reducing pain and improving function, ketamine infusions can help patients regain normal activities and enhance their overall quality of life.

2. Procedure Overview:
   - Preparation: Before beginning treatment, patients undergo a thorough evaluation, including a review of their medical history and current pain condition. Baseline assessments may include pain scales and psychological evaluations.
   - Infusion: The procedure involves administering ketamine intravenously (IV) over a period of time, typically ranging from 40 minutes to several hours. Infusions are conducted in a clinical setting, often under the supervision of our providers trained in ketamine therapy.
   - Monitoring: During the infusion, patients are monitored for any adverse effects or reactions. Vital signs are checked regularly to ensure safety.

3. Mechanism of Action:
   - NMDA Receptor Antagonism: Ketamine works primarily as an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain. This action helps modulate pain pathways and reduce central sensitization, which can be a key factor in chronic pain.
   - Neuroplasticity: Ketamine also influences neurotransmitter systems and promotes neuroplasticity, which may help reset abnormal pain signaling and enhance overall pain control.

4. Benefits and Effectiveness:
   - Symptom Relief: Many patients experience substantial pain relief and improved functional outcomes. Some report relief lasting for several weeks to months after a series of infusions.
   - Low Risk of Dependency: Unlike opioids, ketamine has a lower risk of dependency or abuse, making it a viable alternative for long-term pain management.

5. Post-Procedure Care:
   - Recovery: Following the infusion, patients may feel groggy or disoriented for a short period. These effects generally wear off within a few hours.
   - Follow-Up: Patients are typically monitored for a short time after the infusion and may need follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and plan further interventions if necessary.

6. Safety and Side Effects:
   - Common Side Effects: Side effects may include dizziness, nausea, mild hallucinations, or dissociation. These effects are usually transient and resolve after the infusion.
   - Rare Complications: Serious side effects are rare but can include elevated blood pressure, confusion, or changes in mood. Patients should be carefully monitored to manage any adverse effects promptly.

7. Treatment Schedule:
   - Infusion Regimen: Ketamine treatment usually involves a series of infusions over a period of several weeks. The specific regimen depends on the individual patient’s response and the severity of their condition.
   - Maintenance Therapy: Some patients may require ongoing infusions or periodic “booster” sessions to maintain pain relief and manage chronic pain effectively.

8. Indications:
   - Chronic Pain Conditions: Ketamine infusions are particularly indicated for complex pain syndromes such as CRPS, neuropathic pain, and severe fibromyalgia. They are also used in cases where other pain management strategies have failed.

Summary:

Ketamine infusions represent a promising and innovative approach for managing chronic pain, offering significant relief for patients with severe and persistent pain conditions. By leveraging ketamine’s unique mechanism of action to modulate pain pathways and reduce central sensitization, this treatment can improve symptoms and enhance quality of life. Call us at 281-868-PAIN (7246) or email info@advspine.org to schedule your consultation with Dr. Khoury to see if this treatment is right for you.