Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is caused by damage or injury to the nerves that transfer information between the brain and spinal cord from the skin, muscles, and other parts of the body. Neuropathic pain is described as a burning sensation and affected areas are often sensitive to the touch.

Common causes of neuropathic pain include:

• Nerve pressure or nerve damage after surgery
• Trauma
• CRPS
• Viral infections
• Cancer
• Vascular malformations
• Alcoholism
• Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis
• Metabolic conditions such as diabetes
• Side effects of certain medication

Neuropathic pain is difficult to treat completely but is usually not life-threatening. Ketamine infusion therapy, an off-label treatment, has been helpful to providing symptom-relief for this type of pain syndrome.

Patients get the best results from combining ketamine treatments with support for emotional and mental well-being. Allowing one to manage pain levels improves the quality of life in addition to seeing a pain specialist using other treatment modalities as well.

Understanding Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is a complex, chronic pain condition that arises when nerve fibers sustain damage, dysfunction, or injury. These compromised nerve fibers send incorrect signals to other pain centers within the body, which can lead to persistent pain. Neuropathic pain is often associated with tissue injury, where the nerve fibers may be directly affected or strained from inflammation or physical stress. This type of pain is distinct from normal pain, which is the body’s typical response to injury or potential harm. Neuropathic pain can persist even after the initial injury has healed, which can lead to chronic pain conditions that can impact a person’s quality of life.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of neuropathic pain can vary greatly from person to person, which speaks to the diverse nature of nerve injuries. Neuropathic pain is sometimes described as a burning or shooting pain – like an electric shock. Some people may experience allodynia, a heightened sensitivity where even mild stimuli like the touch of a shirt, or a soft breeze, can cause pain. Other people have reported sensations of pins and needles, numbness, or a tingling sensation. In addition to these sensory disturbances, individuals with neuropathic pain can experience a loss of reflexes, balance, and coordination.

Diagnosing neuropathic pain involves a comprehensive approach. A physical exam and a detailed review of your medical history are the first steps. Your healthcare provider may ask about any past injuries, surgeries, or health conditions that might have affected your nerves. In some cases, a neurological exam might be necessary to identify the affected nerve. Diagnostic tests like nerve conduction studies, electromyography, or MRIs may also be used to pinpoint the source of the pain.

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Tips for Helping Someone with Neuropathic Pain

When someone you care about is living with neuropathic pain, it’s natural to want to help. Here’s how you can lend a hand:

Learn About It: Neuropathic pain can be a bit of a mystery. Take some time to learn about it – the causes, the symptoms, and the treatments. It’ll help you understand what your loved one is going through and make you a better ally.

Patience is Key: Neuropathic pain can be a rollercoaster, with good days and bad days. It can affect mood, energy levels, and even personality. Remember, it’s the pain talking, not them. A little patience goes a long way.

Promote a Healthy Lifestyle: Good food, a bit of exercise, and plenty of rest can do wonders for managing neuropathic pain. Encourage your loved one to take care of themselves – it can make a big difference.

Be a Medication Buddy: If your loved one is on medication, help them stay on track. It could be as simple as a reminder to take their pills, or as involved as going with them to appointments. Every bit helps.

Try Out Pain Management Techniques Together: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help manage pain. Give them a try together – it’s more fun that way, and it could help your loved one find a new way to feel better.

Support Their Treatment Journey: If your loved one is trying a new treatment, like ketamine infusion therapy, be there for them. It can be a big step, and having someone to share the journey with can make it a little bit easier.

Remember, everyone’s experience with neuropathic pain is going to be different. What helps one person might not help another. The most important thing is to be there for them, respect their decisions, and offer support whenever they need it.

Conventional Treatments and the Role of Ketamine

While traditional treatments for neuropathic pain such as medications, nerve block injections, and physical therapy play a crucial role in managing the pain from this condition, they often fall short of providing real, long term relief. Some people experience side effects – others find that these treatments become less effective over time. This is where ketamine infusion therapy comes into play.

Ketamine infusion therapy is a promising treatment option that provides relief for many patients with neuropathic pain. Unlike regular pain medications, ketamine works on the NMDA receptors in the brain, which play a role in how the brain signals pain. By blocking these receptors ketamine can help reset the nerve’s perception of pain and provide relief.

Our clinic in Westchester, NY offers ketamine infusion therapy for neuropathic pain. We’ve seen firsthand how this treatment can improve people’s quality of life – especially when combined with a comprehensive pain management plan. It’s a game-changer for many of our patients who have struggled to find relief with conventional treatments.

We’re here to help you find relief from neuropathic pain. If you’re in the Westchester or White Plains, NY area and want to learn more about ketamine infusion therapy, please reach out to us.

We’re more than happy to answer any questions and discuss your treatment options.

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Neuropathic Pain FAQs

What makes neuropathic pain different from other types of pain?

Neuropathic pain is unique because it’s caused by damage or dysfunction in the nervous system itself. It’s not just a response to injury or inflammation in other parts of the body—it’s a condition on its own.

How effective is ketamine infusion therapy for neuropathic pain?

Ketamine infusion therapy has been a ray of hope for so many of our patients. It’s shown to provide significant relief for many individuals with neuropathic pain, even when other treatments and medicines have fallen short.

Are there any side effects of ketamine infusion therapy?

Some patients may experience temporary side effects like nausea or dizziness. But these are typically mild and resolve soon after the infusion is complete. We monitor all our patients closely to ensure their safety and comfort.

How many ketamine treatments will I need?

The number of treatments varies from person to person. Some see improvement after just one or two infusions, while others may need a series of treatments. We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs.

Can I continue my current pain medications while receiving ketamine infusion therapy?

Absolutely. We’ll review all your current medications to ensure there are no interactions with ketamine. In many cases, patients continue their current pain management regimen while receiving ketamine infusions.

Dr. Kullman offers the following treatments for Neuropathic Pain:

• Ketamine infusion therapy

• Home ketamine treatment 

Ketamine therapy is available as an intravenous (IV) infusion, nasal spray, pill, or dissolving tablet. If you’re a candidate for home ketamine treatment, you can have the medication delivered right to your doorstep. 

Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation with Michael Kullman, MD, by phone or online today. 

Treatments are coordinated with the patient’s current referring healthcare provider.

Interested in learning more about Dr. Michael Kullman’s services?

15-minute consultations are always complementary!