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Ketamine has been around for decades. However, in recent years, it has turned into a safe, effective, cutting-edge treatment for pain and some mental health disorders. At New England Institute for Neurology and Headache in Stamford, Connecticut, the experienced team offers ketamine infusions to treat the extremes of physical and emotional pain.
To learn more about our Ketamine infusion program visit https://ki-ketamine.com/
What are ketamine infusions?
Ketamine is an anesthetic medicine often used during surgery in a hospital’s emergency department and for children’s procedures.
In different doses, the same medicine is a potent pain reliever and an effective treatment for some mental health disorders.
The New England Institute for Neurology and Headache providers administer ketamine through an intravenous (IV) infusion. An infusion sends the ketamine directly into your bloodstream, allowing the team to give you a precise dose over a specific period.
Once ketamine is in your bloodstream, it quickly reaches your brain, where it reduces pain by activating natural opioid receptors, blocking pain signals, and increasing brain chemicals that help you relax.
Ketamine also balances neurotransmitters that are essential for regulating mood and emotions. A ketamine infusion often produces results when other psychiatric medicines fail because it targets different brain chemicals.
When would I need a ketamine infusion?
Ketamine infusions aren’t the first line of treatment recommended by your provider. But if you have severe symptoms or standard treatments aren’t helping, you might need a ketamine infusion for any of the following:
Pain conditions, including:
- Back pain
- Migraines and severe headaches
- Nerve pain
- Facial pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Post-herpetic neuralgia (persistent pain after having shingles)
Mental health challenges, including:
- Major depressive disorder
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Bipolar depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Ketamine infusions provide many patients with rapid relief, often easing their symptoms after just one treatment.
What happens during a ketamine infusion?
During your Ketamine infusion you will be in a private suite one on one with a health care provider at New England Institute for Neurology and Headache. Your provider will monitor your vital signs and observe for any signs of dizziness or discomfort. You will stay in the office for an hour or two after the infusion to ensure no residual side effects. You’ll also need to arrange a ride home, but you can return to all your activities the next day.
Most people have a series of ketamine infusions over a week or two. Though your symptoms can improve after a few sessions, the extra infusions produce longer-lasting results.
Call New England Institute for Neurology and Headache today or use the online booking feature to connect with the team and learn if IV ketamine can improve your symptoms.