Question 1

What is IV Ketamine?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine is an anaesthetic which has been used in hospitals for the past 50 years during surgery. More recently, Ketamine has been found to be a valuable and highly effective treatment for chronic pain, depression and anxiety. At the Toronto Pain and Ketamine Centre, we are proud to offer Ketamine in conjunction with our other treatment methods, to help patients find relief from pain.

Question 2

What can I expect during the infusion?

Accepted Answer

The infusion will take place under the supervision of one of our chronic pain physicians. An intravenous line (IV) will be started in an extremity so that you can receive Ketamine. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation will all be monitored throughout the infusion. 
You will receive ketamine through a vein in your arm or hand. The dose you receive will be determined by the physician based on your circumstances. 
You will be closely monitored after your procedure and will then be released into the care of a family member or friend once discharge criteria have been met. You cannot drive home after the procedure and should not make important decisions or operate machinery inclusive of a vehicle for the rest of the day.

Question 3

What conditions does Ketamine treat?

Accepted Answer

We have had success using Ketamine infusions to treat a variety of chronic pain conditions, such as Fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, cancer pain, CRPS, chronic migraines and mood disorders such as treatment resistant depression.
-

Question 4

How do I know if Ketamine infusions will work for me?

Accepted Answer

At the Toronto Pain & Ketamine Clinic, you will meet with one of our physicians, who will discuss your medical history and perform an assessment. Once your physician has all the information required, he/she will customize a treatment plan for you, which may include either nerve blocks, injections, or Ketamine. While we have had great success treating various types of chronic pain, the source and kinds of pain vary greatly, which makes it difficult to predict each individual response. While the majority of our patients have a positive response to our treatment plans, we cannot provide a guarantee that any medication or procedure will help alleviate your pain. Our goal is to dramatically decrease your level of pain, so that you feel better and your quality of life improes. If you are suffering from chronic pain and have failed to feel better from current or previous treatments, we encourage you to contact us for a consultation so that we can help you find relief from pain.

Question 5

Why should I consider Ketamine infusions to treat my pain?

Accepted Answer

If you are unable to manage the symptoms of your pain to a level you desire with conventional treatment methods, then Ketamine infusions may be an option for you. Some of our patients are able to eliminate their current medication with Ketamine treatments, and others augment their current treatment regime with Ketamine to achieve a superior level of pain control. Many of our patients experience immediate pain relief with IV Ketamine, unlike traditional medications. Like any treatment or medication, the results vary. If you would like to improve the quality of your life and reduce or eliminate your pain with a new treatment, then you should consider Ketamine infusions.

Question 6

How does Ketamine work?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine infusion therapy works by blocking the NMDA receptors. The NMDA receptor is overstimulated in neuropathic pain syndromes, and opioid medications have been shown to exaggerate this over-stimulation. Ketamine infusion therapy is thought to “reset” this nerve pathway back to normal causing significant pain reduction much faster than traditional treatment options.

Question 7

How do nerve blocks work?

Accepted Answer

Nerve blocks can help manage the symptoms of chronic pain and improve a person’s quality of life. They reduce pain by blocking signals between nerve cells and the brain. One of our doctors will inject a local anesthetic, an anti-inflammatory medication, or both around a specific nerve or group of nerve endings. As the pain signal has been "turned off", the brain will no longer register pain from the affected areas.

Frequently Asked Questions