When nerves in the sensory system are injured or affected by disease, they may not transmit sensations to the brain properly. This often results in numbness or a lack of sensation. In some cases, however, such injuries can lead to intense, chronic pain in the affected area. Neuropathic pain is not sudden and does not resolve quickly; it is a long-lasting condition that can cause ongoing pain that varies throughout the day. For those suffering from painful neuropathy, finding effective treatments can be difficult and distressing.
Current treatments for neuropathy aim to address the underlying condition, provide pain relief, maintain functionality, and enhance the patient’s quality of life. However, there is no specific treatment that reliably cures neuropathic pain. Some types of neuropathic pain may also not respond well to standard treatment methods. We are a ketamine clinic in Gainesville, FL, offers effective long-term treatment for symptoms associated with neuropathic pain.
Neuropathy is a condition that affects one or more nerves. About 30 percent of neuropathy cases are due to diabetes, known as diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathic pain is a long-lasting pain that often occurs with tissue injury. In this pain condition, nerve fibers can become damaged or dysfunctional, leading them to send wrong signals to the brain’s pain centers. Pain can originate from various parts of the nervous system, including peripheral nerves, spinal cord, and brain. Unlike other chronic pain conditions caused by injuries or illnesses, neuropathic pain can be harder to identify and treat. It is often connected to tissue injuries and may persist even after the tissues have healed. Finding the exact cause of neuropathic pain can be challenging, as many diseases are associated with this type of pain.
Neuropathic pain results from a loss of function in the sensory nervous system. Unlike typical pain from an injury, this chronic nerve pain occurs without any specific stimulus, though certain actions like bearing weight can make it worse. Neuropathic pain varies from person to person and is often described as spontaneous pain, evoked pain, dysesthesia, sleep disturbances, changes in mood, and reduced sensitivity to pain. Many factors can lead to neuropathic pain, including the following:
Ketamine is often used to treat neuropathic and chronic pain conditions that are hard to manage. During treatment, it targets N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the thalamus, a key area for pain processing in the brain. When administered, ketamine binds to these receptors, preventing them from sending pain signals to other brain regions.
By blocking pain signal transmission, ketamine infusions help restore normal brain connections that may be disrupted by neuropathic pain. This can lead to significant relief and an improved sense of well-being after just one treatment. In nerve pain therapy, lower doses of ketamine are given over an extended period. Ketamine infusions are effective and can be paired with other medications for a personalized treatment plan that meets each patient’s needs.
Our ketamine infusion center offers personalized treatment plans to ensure each patient receives the care they need for recovery from neuropathic pain. We provide a variety of treatment options to meet different needs. If you are dealing with neuropathic pain or other chronic pain issues, contact us today to learn how ketamine infusion therapy can help you.
