Our Treatments

What is Ketamine Infusion?

Infusion of a strong analgesia to treat chronic pain syndromes, especially those that have a neuropathic component like complex regional pain syndrome. For many patients living with chronic intractable pain, Ketamine infusion may serve as an alternative to opioid medication. Ketamine can be combined with Naltrexone without the effects of withdrawal seen in patients on opioid medication. Ketamine also has the added benefit of treating chronic depression and anxiety.

How does this procedure work?

The dysfunctional nerves causing the painful stimulus are targeted by Ketamine to reduce pain. The thought is that the N-methyl-D-aspartate pain receptor is inhibited by Ketamine. Although other mechanisms are possibly involved, including enhancement of descending inhibition and anti-inflammatory effects at central sites. The infusion consist of low dose Ketamine administered by IV over one hour. During that time the patient is monitored entirely by a board-certified anesthesiologist.

What are the benefits of this treatment?

• Minimally Invasive: There is no open incision
• Last resort alternative treatment for chronic intractable pain
• Alternative treatment and anesthetic for patients on the opioid antagonist Naltrexone
• Known to treat chronic depression and anxiety associated with chronic pain

How many treatments will i need?

Evidence supports the use of ketamine for chronic pain, but the level of evidence varies by condition and dose range. Most studies evaluating the efficacy of ketamine were small and uncontrolled and were either un-blinded or ineffectively blinded. Adverse effects were few and larger studies, evaluating a wider variety of conditions, are needed to better quantify efficacy, improve patient selection, refine the therapeutic dose range.

The patient is evaluated 1-2 weeks following the IV Ketamine infusion. The patient is asked to keep a pain/symptom diary. Side effects and reduction in symptoms are recorded. Repeat infusions may be performed until a patient is able to obtain 50% or more reduction in pain and improvement in quality of life. Repeat infusions are not recommended if at least 50% reduction in pain is not achieved.

What is the recovery time of this procedure?

The procedure is performed in an ambulatory setting. Although Ketamine is known to produce side effects including: psychedelic symptoms (hallucinations, memory defects, panic attacks), nausea/vomiting, and somnolence. Medications are given prior to the Ketamine infusion to reduce the risk of these side effects. Patients recover as soon as the Ketamine infusion is discontinued; however given the anesthetic effects of Ketamine a driver is required at the time of discharge.