hshbmom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9478
posted
I ran across this article published in 2004. Anyone dared try this? Sounds very dangerous...
13 Oct 2004
A novel treatment using a common anesthetic drug has shown success in reducing the severe pain caused by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), according to a study published in the September 2004 issue of Pain Medicine. CRPS, a disorder that can be associated with chronic pain resistant to conventional therapies, affects between 1.5 and 7 million people in the United States. CRPS is sometimes also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD).
"This pain disorder can be very difficult to treat. Currently-available conventional therapies, at best, oftentimes only make the pain bearable for many CRPS sufferers," said Ronald E. Harbut, MD, PhD, of Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, corresponding author of the study. "In our retrospective study, some patients who underwent a low-dose infusion of ketamine experienced complete relief from their pain, suggesting that this therapy may be an option for some patients with intolerable CRPS."
Thirty-three patients with unrelenting CRPS were treated using this novel approach developed by Dr. Graeme E. Correll, BE, MBBS, in Mackay, Queensland, Australia. Pain relief and the duration of this relief appeared impressive. After only one treatment, there was complete relief in 76% (25) of the group. 54% of the patients remained free of pain for more than three months, 31% for more than six months. Although the relief of pain did not last indefinitely, it was noted that following a second treatment given to 12 of the patients, the outcome was improved. In this retreated group 58% remained pain free for more than a year and almost 33% experienced relief for over three years. The most frequent side effect was a feeling of inebriation with less frequent effects including hallucinations, dizziness, light-headedness and nausea.
"Ultimately, we want to find a way to improve the quality of life for those who suffer with intolerable and endless CRPS -- that is our hope," said Harbut. Although optimistic about these early findings, "Certainly more study is needed to further establish the safety and efficacy of this novel approach." (A large clinical study is currently planned and under development at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.)
Rollin M. Gallagher, MD, MPH, Editor-in-Chief of Pain Medicine, notes, "How medical breakthroughs occur is usually a story of human ingenuity and perseverance fueled by compassion and intellect. Dr. Correll's promising innovation, forged by necessity in tiny resource-poor clinics in the jungles of Papua-New Guinea and Northern Australia and carefully shepherded to publication by his co-authors, may herald an effective treatment for one of mankind's most enigmatic and agonizing diseases. Prospective, controlled studies must follow to establish its safety and efficacy."
Graeme E. Correll, BE, MBBS, a Fellow of the Australian & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, has been an anesthesiologist for over 30 years. He originally worked as an anaesthetist (anesthesiologist) in Papua-New Guinea (PNG) for 5 years in the remote jungle communities of Lae and Rabaul. As anesthetic resources were limited in these isolated areas, Correll relied heavily on the intravenous anesthetic ketamine. Under these unique working conditions, Correll became exceptionally experienced in the administration of this medication. Correll later moved to Mackay, where he continued his profession for over 20 years as the principal anaesthetist in what started out as a small sugar-cane community in tropical northern Queensland. While in Mackay, he used his anesthetic experience from PNG to eventually help him sort out and develop a treatment method using low doses of ketamine that met the analgesic needs of his chronic pain patients. He initiated this novel approach to treating CRPS, while he was senior anaesthetist (anesthesiologist) at Mackay Base Hospital.
Ronald E. Harbut, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, is Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and has a background in both Pharmacy and Pharmacology. Harbut first met Correll while working in Australia in the late 1990s. While in Australia, Harbut was impressed with Correll's findings and the two began collaborative relationships that eventually led to the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale. While at Mayo, Correll and Harbut's belief in a value of this unique approach to treating neuropathic pain was furthered along by colleague Jesse J. Muir, MD, who likewise shared a special interest in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Working together, Correll's technique was brought to the United States.
Other members of the research team include: Jahangir Maleki, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, and Edward J. Gracely, PhD, Associate Professor of Family, Community and Preventive Medicine and Public Health. Both are from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. Maleki, who trained in psychiatry in Germany and in neurology, neurophysiology, and pain medicine in the United States, was instrumental with Harbut in writing this manuscript. Gracely provided biostatistical analysis. Jesse J. Muir, MD, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, is Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. He has served as both Pain Clinic and Pain Medicine Fellowship Director at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale.
Special recognition goes to Drs Maleki and Gracely for their analysis of these data, to Drs Maleki and Muir for their help in developing this manuscript, and to the Editorial Board of Pain Medicine for their support and suggestions.
About Pain Medicine
Pain Medicine, the official journal of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, is a multi-disciplinary journal dedicated to the pain clinician, teacher and researcher. The journal reflects the rapid growth in the area of pain research and management. Readers benefit from the most up-to-date information available on the practice of pain medicine as the journal promotes both visibility and credibility of pain medicine as a medical specialty. For further information, please visit blackwellpublishing.com/pme.
About the American Academy of Pain Medicine
Founded in 1983, the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) has evolved as the primary organization for physicians practicing the specialty of Pain Medicine in the United States. The organization is devoted to the advancement of pain management, education and research. AAPM is the only pain organization with representation in the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates. For membership information and benefits - including your subscription to Pain Medicine - visit http://www.painmed.org.
About The National Pain Foundation
If you are looking for additional resources and information on pain, please visit http://www.NationalPainFoundation.org. The National Pain Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 1998 to advance functional recovery of persons in pain through information, education and support. The NPF is built on the belief that early intervention of pain conditions can positively change the direction of a person's life.
About Blackwell Publishing
Blackwell Publishing is the world's leading society publisher. The company remains independent with over 900 staff members in offices in the US, UK, Australia, China, Denmark, Germany, and Japan. Blackwell publishes over 700 journals in partnership with more than 550 academic and professional societies.
Main News Category: Pain / Anesthetics
Posts: 1672 | From AL/WV/OH | Registered: Jun 2006
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
I didnt read your whole post but here is my opinion-
I would never use ketamine!
We use it in veterinary medicine for sedation among other things and it makes the animals nutso.
I think they used to use it back in the day for women during childbirth and is considered dissociative anesthesia. . I know it can cause hallucinations for sure.
I am no expert and I have never tried it.
good luck Melissa
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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stymielymie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10044
posted
ketamine is a very dangerous drug. we used it on children to sedated them for dental treatment in the early 80"
causes extreme halucinations and heart failure would never conside this for adults.
however, google capsaicin they are now using pure capsaicin sterilized after major surgeries to reduce post op pain and the need for pain medicine.
i used the overthecounter on my knee. used too much, and the kne was pain free for 1 week. it also burned too!!!!!
it actually deadens the nerve endings
docdave
Posts: 1820 | From Boone and Southport, NC | Registered: Sep 2006
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posted
Ketamine induced coma has helped two woman I know of that suffered Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome. They had to go to Germany due to the fact the coma must be induced for 7 days and in the US it is only approved for 2 days.
Yes, there are risks involved but you are tested very throughly to make sure your body can handle the therapy.
A side effect is severe hallucinations however there is a medication that is given for this.
With CRPS there are days you would do anything to relieve the severe unrelenting pain.
Posts: 139 | From nj | Registered: Mar 2005
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adamm
Unregistered
posted
The oral surgeon who took out my wisdom
teeth said it was specifically contraindicated in cases of
posted
my daughter was mis diagnosed with rsd or crps before getting the correct diagnosis for lyme & coinfections. The only treatment given for rsd/crps is drug/pain therapy, antidepressants etc. I was on a parent online group and discovered that many of the children also had tested positive for lyme. Most had received only 30 days treatment for it and were told cured. Most were not tested for coinfections or made it lyme lit. md. my daughter was lucky...i was able to find out more info, and get the real cause of her "rsd" which of course was lyme. I went back and told everyone what her real diagnosis was. most parents were not interested...very sad that those kids will keep suffering and spend thier days in drug induced stupors...
Posts: 75 | From San Diego, CA | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
Wikipedia write-up about the use of ketamine-induced coma for treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophy.Ketamine is being used as an experimental and controversial treatment for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). CRPS/RSD is a severe chronic pain condition characterized by sensory, autonomic, motor and dystrophic signs and symptoms. The pain in CRPS is continuous, it worsens over time, and it is usually disproportionate to the severity and duration of the inciting event. The hypothesis is that ketamine manipulates NMDA receptors which might reboot aberrant brain activity.
-------------------- "You know, the worst, meanest, nastiest, ticks in the world are politicks," - Steve Nostrum Posts: 242 | From South NJ | Registered: Dec 2006
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