Ketamine for CRPS Treatment
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), formerly Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a chronic pain condition that most often affects one limb (arms, legs, hands, or feet) usually after an injury. It is believed to be caused by damage to, or malfunction of the peripheral and central nervous systems making the sensation of pain much stronger than the pain associated with the original injury.
What Is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic (lasting greater than six months) pain condition that most often affects one limb (arm, leg, hand, or foot) usually after an injury. It is believed to be caused by damage to, or malfunction of, the peripheral and central nervous systems making the sensation of pain much stronger than the pain associated with the original injury.
Ketamine CRPS/RSD Treatment Protocol
- 6 hours high-dose infusion: 4 hours of active infusion and 2 hours of active recovery before being released to go home.
- The high-dose ketamine infusions for acute pain typically start around 1 mg/kg/hr and may be adjusted to the response of the patient.
- Initial series of 5 infusions every day or every other day.
- Followed by maintenance infusion every 6-8 weeks as needed.