Ketamine is a  potent anesthetic that has been used as an experimental and controversial treatment for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

This was conceptualized by neurologist Dr Robert J. Schwartzman

The basis for using it to treat CRPS may reside in its strong ability to block  N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors.There is sufficient evidence to suggest that a intense or prolonged painful stimulus causes an extraordinary release of glutamate from peripheral nerve fibers that carry pain information.

This glutamate stimulates NMDA receptors on second-order neurons that produce the phenomena central sensitization.

Thus it seems reasonable that by blocking NMDA receptors, one might also be able to block cellular mechanisms supporting windup and central sensitization. [Read more...]