Is It Safe To Use Ketamine Infusion For Chronic Pain Due To Two Herniated Discs?

Posted on Wed, 12 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 Answered on

Tue, 1 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My 28 yr old daughter suffers from chronic pain due to two herniated discs in her neck and one in her lower spine. The lower back has been present for 10 years and the neck presented nearly 3 years ago. We have seen 7 physicians including specialists at Hughston Clinic in Columbus Ga , Emory in Atlanta, as weel as starting out with family practice physician in the beginning.She has been told by EACH doctor she has seen that surgery is not an option. # have told her to seek a pain management specialist. She has tried every muscle relaxer, non-narcotics as well as stronger pain meds. She has had steroid shots, blocks and ablasions on all affected areas to no avail. Our pain mgt physician is now recommending Comprehensive Pain Mgt, at Shepherd's Clinic in Atlanta. The only thing I see particularly different is the Ketamine Infusions. Very scary reading. What is your opinion or suggestions for her?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Ketamine infusion is relatively safe. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for posting your query. It is unfortunate that your daughter has had not pain relief despite multiple medications, steroid shots and nerve blocks. I assume that she has taken specific neuropathic pain medications such as pregabalin, gabapentin and duloxetine. Regarding ketamine infusion, it is relatively safe and very effective in adult patients with chronic pain of this type. The side effects are not common and can be easily managed in good centers. I hope my reply has helped you. I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (4 hours later)

Yes, the above mentioned medications have been tried. She is currently Oxymorphone XXXXXXX ER 10 mg every 12 hours and Oxymorphone XXXXXXX 10 MG 1 tablet daily as needed for breakthrough pain. She does receive relief through these meds some most of the time if taken exactly on time, but pain does worsen at times even with these meds. We are worried, of course, about this also beginning to be ineffective at some point and know there is not much higher to go with dosage and be able to function anyway normal. She desires a life where she can have a full time job and have a social life as well...A lot to ask but taken for granted by so many.....Saying all of this to ask if you have other suggestions you could recommend. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Thank you for getting back. Detailed Answer: Thank you for providing more information. It is good to note that she has relief from pain, if her current medications are taken on time. I hope that the efficacy continues for long. In addition to ketamine infusion, some of my patients have benefitted from spinal cord stimulator (SCS). However, these patients have been mostly after failed surgeries on neck and back. I hope it helps. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar