In medicine, ketamine has been used for general anesthesia since the 1970s.
However, intravenous infusions of ketamine are effective in the treatment of chronic pain and treatment-resistant depression at doses lower than those required for anesthesia. As an analgetic, the drug acts at the level of the spinal cord, where it blocks receptors for glutamate, which is a mediator (signal transmitter) of the pain system. This drug causes dissociation, that is, disconnection of links between neurons, which are formed in the central nervous system during the long-term existence of pain.
Studies have shown that ketamine infusions can help restore normal connections between nerve cells, promote enlargement of the prefrontal cortex, and create new and repair damaged neurons
Improvement can occur even after the first intravenous infusion, but, as a rule, 4-6 procedures within 2-3 weeks are required to achieve a stable response. The duration of the ketamine infusion is approximately 40-60 minutes (in some cases longer). The patient is awake during the treatment session.
In 2012, ketamine was included in the clinical guidelines of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine for the treatment of chronic pain.
Ketamine is also a powerful antidepressant, and its intravenous infusion is therefore used to treat major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), that are resistant to a standart therapy. Such treatment is prescribed by psychiatrists. We invite interested specialists to cooperate.
Indications for ketamine infusions:
- neuropathic pain of various origins, in particular, caused by chemotherapy, nerve damage, diabetic polyneuropathy, and due to other causes;
- complex regional pain syndrome (chronic pain in the limbs after their injuries);
- chronic back and neck pain;
- chronic intractable headache, in particular, migraine;
- fibromyalgia;
- post-amputation pain, in particular, phantom limb pain;
- severe cancer pain;
- other chronic pain syndromes.
- A minimum of contraindications
- Quick and long-lasting pain relief
- ignificant impact on regenerative processes, prolonged action
The number of injections is determined by the doctor, it all depends on the specific situation and clinical picture. Typically, blocks are used as one of the methods of comprehensive pain treatment.
Our specialists determine the course of treatment, the type of blocks, and injections, as well as the necessary medications individually, thoroughly examining the patient’s condition.
In the SPRAVNO clinic, doctors with extensive experience in conducting similar procedures perform blocks and targeted injections. We use only effective and safe medications approved in international pain treatment protocols.
- Truly effective
- Truly fast
- Truly individual
