Peripheral Neuropathies & Neuropathic Pain (ketamine)

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy Pain?

Peripheral neuropathy pain refers to pain coming from the peripheral nervous system. When you control your arms and legs, your central nervous system sends signals to the cells of your limbs using motor neurons. Then, based on how your limbs move, these cells send a signal back to your brain using peripheral sensory nerves. These nerves transmit information about pain, pressure, temperature, coordination, and numerous other topics.

Sometimes, your peripheral nerves do not work as they should. Or, the signals might get misinterpreted by your central nervous system. These signals might be interpreted as pain, which is where peripheral neuropathy pain comes from. 

How Ketamine Helps Treat Peripheral Neuropathy Pain

Ketamine is a medication that is traditionally used in the hospital setting for acute pain relief; however, IV ketamine infusions at a lower dose can also be effective in treating peripheral neuropathy. Ketamine causes its effects as an NMDA receptor antagonist. When you have peripheral neuropathy, there could be aberrant synapses and issues with neurotransmitters. Peripheral nerve damage to various cells can release glutamate, which is a neurotransmitter that typically binds to NMDA receptors, leading to a wide variety of problems. Using ketamine, it is possible to block the NMDA receptor, preventing other neurotransmitters from binding to it. This can be an effective option for people who are looking for help treating peripheral neuropathy.

• Diabetic Neuropathy: This is one of the most common types of neuropathic pain, and it develops due to nerve damage stemming from diabetes. This pain can be severe, and ketamine can play a role in a well-rounded treatment plan.
• Phantom Limb Syndrome: There are some people who develop neuropathic pain from something called Phantom Limb Syndrome. This takes place when people feel like an amputated arm or leg is still hurting them. Ketamine could play a role in a treatment plan for this syndrome as well. 
• Focal Neuropathy: Some people have peripheral neuropathy that is confined to only one part of the body. This could include one arm, one leg, or even something as small as one hand. Ketamine can help address peripheral neuropathy in a specific area of the body.
• Compression Mononeuropathy: If you suffer from compression mononeuropathy, you may have a single nerve that has been compressed, leading to scrambled signals. These can be interpreted as pain, and ketamine could help you address your symptoms. 

These are just a few of the most common types of neuropathic pain that ketamine can treat. It is critical to work with a professional who has experience using ketamine to put yourself in the best position possible to be successful.