The implementation of continuous ketamine infusions in Neuropathic Pain Syndrome

Przemysław Baranowski; Anna Adamczyk

Vol 6, No 2 (2007)

Case reports

Published online: 2007-09-07

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The implementation of continuous ketamine infusions in Neuropathic Pain Syndrome

Przemysław Baranowski, Anna Adamczyk

Advances in Palliative Medicine 2007;6(2):87-91.

Vol 6, No 2 (2007)

Case reports

Published online: 2007-09-07

Abstract

Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition with potential deleterious effects on the patients'’ quality of life. Pharmacological treatment does not always bring the expected effects and it often brings about adverse effects of the administered drugs. One of the causes for the intensification of pain is central sensitization. Numerous trials, both experimental and clinical prove the effectiveness of NMDA receptor blockers in preventing and diminishing central hypersensitivity and, as a result, diminishing the degree of pain sensations. Here we present a patient with neuropathic pain syndrome related to chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s disease, in which by cyclical intravenous ketamine infusions, significant and long-lasting pain alleviation has been achieved.