TREATING REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY (RSD)/CHRONIC REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME (CRPS)
“I would highly recommend DeBruin Medical Center and Dr. DeBruin as the best place to go for treatment of CRPS in California. The care was superb, compassionate and caring. Ketamine treatments were extremely helpful and made a big difference in my ability to function. My life has improved enormously since I have been receiving Ketamine treatments there.”
Marion B, Sann Anselmo, CA
There are many treatments available for this disease. These include physical therapy, occupational therapy, medication therapy, sympathetic blocks, spinal cord stimulator, intrathecal pumps, and most recently Ketamine infusion therapy. Additionally, it is important to educate the patient on diet, nutrition, lifestyle change, stress reduction (with meditation, prayer, yoga, etc.) to facilitate a coordinated approach of mind and body to the treatment. Additionally, familial support is extremely helpful and family members should be brought in to the treatment plan both in terms of comprehension and understanding of the symptoms as well as ways to assist the patient. Each of the aforementioned treatment entities has a place in RSD/CRPS therapy and the benefits and risks of each one should be weighed by the clinician on a case by case basis. Certainly, however, continued movement and mobilization of affected limbs is imperative to whatever degree the patient can tolerate.
A 2004 article discussing ketamine infusion therapy states, “Although ketamine may have more than one mechanism of action, the basis for using it to treat CRPS may reside in its strong ability to block NMDA receptors. Experimental evidence suggests that a sufficiently intense or prolonged painful stimulus causes an extraordinary release of glutamate from peripheral nociceptive afferents onto dorsal horn neurons within the spinal cord. The glutamate released, in turn, stimulates NMDA receptors on second-order neurons that produce the phenomena of windup and central sensitization. It is reasonable to consider that, by blocking NMDA receptors, one might also be able to block cellular mechanisms supporting windup and central sensitization. Ketamine is the only potent NMDA-blocking drug currently available for clinical use. Our interpretation is that an appropriately prolonged infusion of ketamine appears to maintain a level of ketamine in the central nervous system long enough to reverse the effects of the sensitization process and associated pain.”
“Along with the compassion of Dr. DeBruin and his staff, I was amazed when I went from being wheelchair bound to walking within a week! It has made the hugest impact on the quality of my life.”
Travis M. , Kenai, Alaska
In our office we treat RSD/CRPS with s a low dose subanesthetic Ketamine infusion ranging between 10-60mg per hour for four hours over several treatment days. We follow this protocol with a follow up booster infusion protocol. Incorporated in our Ketamine treatment plan for each patient is a comprehensive approach including physical therapy, medication therapy, diet and nutrition as an overall attempt at a healthier lifestyle. Prior to treatment, you will need blood work and clearance from a Cardiologist and Psychologist or Psychiatrist.
If interested in our Ketamine treatment please contact the office to inquire about any question you may have along with information concerning hotel stay and car rental which we have negotiated deep discounted rates specifically for DeBruin Medical Center patients to help control and lessen the cost of travel.