CRPS can be difficult to treat, but ketamine infusions may be able to get your nerves to stop firing and signaling a pain response. Researchers believe that with CRPS there are changes in the central nervous system. These changes promote pain responses within your body. In most people, bumping their leg produces a slight stimuli, but with CRPS it triggers significant pain.
Ketamine might be right for you particularly if other treatments have not been successful, such as:
The pain response is believed to be due to the activation of nerve cell receptors, namely NMDA receptor. Ketamine, is a potent anesthetic that targets these receptors, which block them from firing and decreases pain.
Ketamine for pain is administered into your blood through an intravenous line (IV) and it is called an infusion. Patients receive ketamine infusions in our clinic and are released after 3-4 hours. Our health care team monitors patients vital signs throughout the infusion.
Most patients experience meaningful pain relief within one week. An estimated 50-60% people obtain relief and most after just one infusion. You may experience relief for one month, or it may last up to 11 months. We continue to monitor your pain and can repeat the infusions as needed.
Ketamine infusions may not be right for everyone, they can worsen certain conditions such as heart rythm issues or schizophrenia. You and your health care team can determine if ketamine infusions are right for you.
