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INITIALLY A BATTLEFIELD ANESTHETIC, KETAMINE IS A BURGEONING TREATMENT FOR NEUROPATHIC PAIN

“Horse tranquilizer,” “Special K,” and other misnomers. For much of its known existence, ketamine has been maligned and misunderstood. Discovered in the ’60s and used as a surgical anesthetic during the Vietnam War, ketamine is now garnering attention for its therapeutic properties when used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and neuropathic pain.

NAVIGATING THE CLASSES OF MEDICATIONS USED TO TREAT NEUROPATHIC PAIN: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

People living with neuropathic pain face an uphill battle in their efforts to achieve symptom relief, often requiring a combination of therapies when medication options are not as effective as patients and doctors would hope. Prescription medications are a common treatment for chronic pain and can provide marked pain relief when prescribed wisely. However, side effects are common and can deter some individuals from taking the appropriate dose, and the desired pain reduction sometimes falls short of expectations.

NEUROPATHIC PAIN GLOSSARY

THE FOUR MAIN CAUSES OF NEUROPATHIC PAIN Disease: Many diseases can cause neuropathic pain, but 30% of cases are due to diabetes. Other diseases include complex regional pain syndrome, central…

REDUCING THE IMPACT OF PAIN SIGNALS: HOW TO KNOW IF AN IMPLANTABLE NEUROMODULATION DEVICE IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Chronic neuropathic pain can take a toll on many parts of an individual’s life, and often requires a multidisciplinary approach to treat underlying issues while also managing symptoms. Patients often must undergo a period of trial-and-error with medications and other treatment modalities in an effort to find what works, a challenging process for those who don’t respond to conventional treatments. In recent years, implantable neuromodulation devices have become a core treatment option that offers real hope to people with ongoing or worsening pain caused by nerve damage or injury.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a glaring light on health care disparities—roadblocks or unequal treatment faced by individuals because of race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, lack of health literacy, age, rural residency, or other factors.