Ketamine infusion therapy provides hope for a lot of people who have sought treatment for depression, anxiety, chronic pain, PTSD conditions, and more. If you have researched ketamine before, you know that one of the biggest benefits of the infusions is being able to feel relief just after one infusion. Just hours after a patient’s infusion, their symptoms begin to subside.

What sets ketamine apart from other treatments is its potential to be a long-term solution. Research shows that ketamine triggers regrowth in your brain cells, allowing you to put a rest from what’s holding you back. The brain does amazing things! We see the brain regenerate new cells in stroke patients and those who suffer from traumatic brain injury. The brain can accomplish amazing things!

Ketamine works on the glutamate neurotransmitters preventing a receptor called N-methyl D-aspartate Receptor (NMDA) from being activated by the glutamate. This results in an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF). An increase in BDNF allows for increased neuroplasticity and synaptic connections to form.

To make things simple, ketamine has the ability to reawaken the hippocampus- the part of the brain that is associated with memories, learning, and emotions. When your brain is experiencing high stress, depression, or trauma, the brain regeneration of new cells slows down and no longer sends electrical signals to each other as quickly or as effectively. During treatment, ketamine activates the brain’s built-in repair mechanisms, rebuilding new pathways from the ones that cause stress, depression, etc.

In a study conducted by Dr. Theodore Henderon, he found that ketamine infusion therapy can, “relieve refractory depression symptoms persistently, perhaps for years. Activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) appears to have an important role in the antidepressant effects of ketamine. BDNF induces synaptogenesis, dendritic arborization, improved neuronal health, and neurogenesis. These processes likely underlie the persistent benefits of ketamine.”

As more and more people find immense relief from depression, chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, and more after completing a ketamine treatment plan, it is becoming a mainstream form of treatment. At NeuroMedici, we see the long-term relief that ketamine provides our patients, giving them a new chance at life. We are excited to have been one of the first few ketamine centers in the heart of Chicago and anticipate seeing this treatment continue to be pushed to the forefront.

If you are interested in booking an initial consultation or learning more about ketamine infusion therapy call our office at (773) 227-2687 or fill out our consultation form here.