Ketamine infusion therapy in an elderly patient with complex regional pain syndrome and major depression
Parinda Parikh, Jeremy Kays, Zoe Gellert, Shaurya K. Singh, Alisha Arul Alphonse, Himani J Suthar, Aatish D. Bhatta, Arnesh Shukla, Parthiv Pansuriya, Arushi K. Chandra, Mahiya Buddhavarapu, Mina Oza
International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health August 30, 2025 DOI: 10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20252868 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 86-year-old man with CRPS-related back and leg pain |
| Intervention | Intravenous ketamine infusion |
| Topics | Ketamine Depression Esketamine |
| Keywords | Depression economics Anesthesia |
| Key findings | A single intravenous ketamine infusion led to immediate and substantial improvements in pain, mood, and mobility in an elderly patient with refractory CRPS. |
Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain disorder that severely affects mobility and quality of life. This case report describes an 86-year-old man who has a long-standing history of CRPS-related back and leg pain. Traditional treatments, including opioids and duloxetine, did not improve his symptoms, and due to religious beliefs restricting specific interventions, standard hospital care was limited. Given the severity of his symptoms and the refractory nature of his condition, an intravenous ketamine infusion was recommended to improve pain and comorbid depressive symptoms. Following one treatment, the patient exhibited immediate and substantial improvements in pain intensity, mood, and mobility. This case accentuates the importance of culturally sensitive, patient-centered care and suggests the role of ketamine in treating CRPS when traditional therapies are ineffective.