EFFICACY OF KETAMINE THERAPY FOR NEUROPATHIC PAIN IN AN ELDERLY PATIENT: A CASE STUDY

Chronic neuropathic pain is pain that lasts over 3 months and is caused by a disease or a lesion of the central or pe­ripheral nervous system. It is estimated that about 6-8 % of the general population suffers from neuropathic pain, therefore proper pain management protocols are needed, as at least 50 % of patients do not experience pain relief with medication. We report a case of 75 years-old woman who was suffering from neuropathic pain. After numerous unsuccessful treatment options, three weekly 10 mg Ke­tamine infusions made a significant improvement in the patient’s pain score and overall quality of life. We also briefly review scientific literature and current guidelines regarding pain and underline the necessity of expanding the arsenal of medication for chronic pain treatment.