Ketamine Infusion Protocol for the Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

This case report presents a 57-year-old gentleman with treatment-resistant complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) following upper limb amputation. Despite numerous interventions, including medications, nerve blocks, and spinal cord stimulators, his pain remained refractory. Four weekly ketamine infusions were administered, resulting in a notable 50% reduction in CRPS-associated pain persisting for up to four weeks post-treatment. The case demonstrates ketamine infusion therapy's potential in managing refractory CRPS, suggesting it is a promising option for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments. This case particularly highlights the use of ketamine infusion in a non-optimal circumstance with repeated weekly treatments, while most prior research has taken place primarily in an inpatient setting with continuous or daily treatments. Further research is needed to optimize dosing protocols and evaluate long-term efficacy and safety.