Ketamine Infusion Therapy for Migraines

How Ketamine Infusion Therapy Treats Migraines

In low doses, ketamine acts as an NMDA antagonist blocking neural pain pathways. With the NMDA receptors blocked the pain signal can’t be sent to the brain, effectively reducing the severity of pain from chronic migraines or new daily persistent headaches. Multiple studies have shown over 70% of people experienced positive results within the first hour of treatment with a high percentage experiencing long-term relief with continued treatment.

Types of Chronic Migraines

There are several types of migraines, each with distinct symptoms and characteristics. The most common types of chronic migraines include the following.

Chronic Migraine with Aura

This type of chronic migraine is characterized by visual disturbances, such as flashing lights, zigzag lines or blind spots, occurring up to an hour before the onset of the headache. Nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound are also common. Temporary disturbances sometimes associated with migraine aura include trouble speaking; an abnormal sensation, numbness, or muscle weakness on one side of the body; a tingling sensation in the hands or face, and confusion.

Chronic Migraine without Aura

This is the most common type of chronic migraine and is characterized by a severe headache lasting for hours or even days, often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Chronic migraine without aura may encompass three phases. It may begin with a premonitory phase experienced hours or even days before a migraine attack. This phase acts as a warning to an impending migraine. The premonitory phase is followed by the headache phase. Characteristics of the headache phase may include:

• Headache pain lasting 4-72 hours when untreated
• Pain on one side of the head
• Moderate to severe intensity
• Worsening of headache with physical activity
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and/or sound
• Increased sensitivity to touch or pressure, which causes pain even with gentle stimulation

 

The majority of patients with migraines take hours to fully recover; some take days. The postdrome phase occurs once the pain has subsided. Symptoms include lowered mood levels, fatigue, poor concentration and comprehension.

Chronic Migraine with Medication Overuse

This type of chronic migraine is caused by the overuse of medications used to treat migraines, such as pain relievers and triptans. Overuse of such medications often leads to rebound headaches, which can make the migraines worse and more frequent.

 

Chronic and even high-frequency episodic migraines can be disabling conditions with a significant impact on one’s quality of life. Chronic migraines can even impact one’s mental health. In fact, people who suffer from migraines are about five times more likely to develop depression than someone without migraines.