Neuropathic Pain Treatment in Wichita Falls
An Estimated 7-10% of People in the U.S. Experience Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in older adults and people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV.
In the 19th century, doctors began to recognize the link between nerve damage and chronic pain, and they began to develop treatments for neuropathic pain. In the 20th century, advances in neuroscience and pain research led to a better understanding of the mechanisms of neuropathic pain, and more effective treatments were developed.
What is Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain differs from other types of pain, such as nociceptive pain, caused by damage to tissues, and inflammatory pain, caused by inflammation. This condition is caused by nerve damage, often described as burning, tingling, or shooting pain.
The exact cause of neuropathic pain is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to changes in how the nerves function after damage. Neuropathic pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including injuries, infections, and chronic medical conditions.
Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain
The most common neuropathic pain symptoms include a shooting or burning sensation, numbness or tingling in the affected area, and sensitivity to touch. Some people with neuropathic pain may also experience temperature sensitivity changes, how they perceive body position and movement, and muscle weakness. These symptoms can vary in severity and may be accompanied by other symptoms depending on the underlying cause of the neuropathic pain.
Ketamine for Neuropathic Pain Treatment
Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication routinely used for anesthesia in pets, adults, and children. In recent research, ketamine proved to be an effective treatment option for those suffering from nerve pain when traditional antidepressant medications fail.
Over the past 20 years, ketamine has demonstrated powerful antidepressant effects and benefits for other mental health chronic pain conditions. Initially an effective sedative on the battlefield with a wide safety margin, ketamine has become an invaluable resource for various physical and mental issues, known for its transformative power and speedy results.
Ketamine interacts with multiple aspects of our psychology and physiology. Following the infusion, most people report a dramatic reduction in symptoms. 90% of patients respond favorably to the treatment, with 70% displaying symptom relief in just one infusion. Individuals suffering from chronic nerve pain no longer have to wait weeks or months for symptom relief. With ketamine infusion therapy, patients can achieve neuropathic pain relief in hours or days.
How Ketamine Works
Those with neuropathic pain display an overactivity of the NMDA receptors activated by glutamate. As a non-competitive NMDA antagonist, ketamine prevents glutamate from activating the NMDA receptor.
The inhibition of the NMDA receptor may cause a build-up of free glutamate, which then activates the AMPA receptors. When surplus glutamate activates the AMPA receptor, it releases a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF, in interaction with the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), promotes new neural growth. This new growth may reroute the brain from hyperactive areas associated with chronic pain, thereby providing long-term relief.
Getting Treatment
Neuropathic pain can be very difficult to manage and can significantly impact a person’s ability to carry out daily activities, work, and enjoy life. In some cases, neuropathic pain can also lead to depression and anxiety. Treating neuropathic pain can help reduce the pain and improve the person’s overall well-being. Additionally, treating the underlying cause of the neuropathic pain, if possible, can help prevent the pain from recurring or worsening. If you or someone you know suffers from neuropathic pain, Kairos can help. Now is the time! Contact us today.
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