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Brain On Fire: Treating PTSD & TBI with Ketamine

Written by Allen Green | Feb 15, 2022 3:51:13 PM

Brain injuries are a serious problem in the United States. Each year, an estimated 2.5 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and about 5.3 million people have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health conditions can be life-altering, and often require long-term treatment. And until recently, there was a big unknown on how to effectively treat both PTSD and TBI.

Helping Prescribers and Patients

As leaders in our industry we are always striving to be ahead of the game; the resource to cutting edge solutions that are not always easy to find.

Our close friends at Professional Arts Specialty Pharmacy are one of those partners in healthcare, filling hard-to-find and customized medications as well as connecting with peers around the world to discuss what is working well to help prescribers and patients.

Professional Arts Specialty Pharmacy attended an international conference in October of 2021 and discovered a peer specialty pharmacy was having great success working with a foundation outside of Dallas, TX treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) of US troops and veterans in an interventional way. This foundation is called Our Defenders of Freedom Foundation.

Due to the overwhelming success, they have shard their new protocols with us where we have decided partner with, adapt and use this protocol right here at home.

This protocol has been adapted by Jim Hrncir, RPh from Las Colinas Pharmacy right outside of Irving, TX.

"Jim is the founder and owner of Las Colinas Pharmacy, Compounding and Wellness with 35+ years shaping the modern compounding industry in the United States. Jim specializes in bioidentical hormone therapy, dermatology, nutraceuticals and neurodegenerative therapy. Featured several times on the internationally syndicated Dr. Phil show as an expert in pharmaceutical compounding , hormones, and regenerative medicine, Jim has and continues to put compounding on the map."

Brain On Fire

Glial cell activation and neuro-inflammation are known to be one of the underlying causes of centralized pain (CP), including depression, fatigue, and insomnia.

These neuro specialists explained how an injury or trauma to the brain results in glial activation. The inflammatory cytokine release then causes oxidative inflammatory reactions which not only spread through other areas of the brain, but in some patients does not resolve. 

When the brain becomes inflamed, it struggles to communicate with other regions of itself. This change in the brain can lead to patients experiencing symptoms like PTSD, depression, severe anxiety disorder, anger, cognitive dysfunction, need to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs, and worst of all, suicide ideation. 

Dr. Gordon described this inflammation as “brain on fire”.

Ketamine Infusion Therapy for PTSD and TBI

The doctors' goal was to create a “neuro-permissive environment” in the brain. This would mean reducing inflammation, encouraging repair and neuro-regeneration.

They found that there was no single therapy that resulted in the outcome they were hoping for. This led to the idea of a customized treatment for the individual with a variety of treatment options.

Their therapy protocols included primary prescriptions, secondary prescriptions, supplements (explore the benefits of drip infusion bars), and lifestyle modifications. These prescriptions included, but are not limited to Ketamine, NAD+ and CBD Hemp oil.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

At NeuroMend, we specialize in treating behavioral health disorders and chronic pain, usually among patients who have treatment-resistant conditions. (Learn more about  specialty pharmacies for chronic conditions).

Neuromend is partnering with Professional Arts Pharmacy on a new project, focusing on PTSD treatments (ketamine and new products), called Brain on Fire!

CONTACT US

 Contact us for more information about Brain On Fire, our offerings or schedule a free consultation with us.

Disclaimer: As of September 29, 2023, NeuroMend no longer offers Spravato treatments. We apologize for any inconvenience and encourage you to consult with our team or your healthcare provider for alternative options.

References

What Are Ketamine Infusions? - https://www.advancedspineandpain.com/blog/what-are-ketamine-infusions

The Benefits of Ketamine Infusion Therapy - https://cuttingedgepain.com/the-benefits-of-ketamine-infusion-therapy/

Spinal cord stimulation - https://mayfieldclinic.com/pe-stim.htm

Disadvantages and Risks of Spinal Cord Stimulation - https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/pain-management/disadvantages-and-risks-spinal-cord-stimulation


ABOUT NEUROMEND INFUSION CENTER

We are an Evidence-Based Center of Excellence and the leading provider of Ketamine Infusions, IV Infusions and Ketamine Consulting Services for Ketamine Clinics and IV Therapy Clinics.

We Provide Effective Treatment For The Following Conditions: Major Depressive Disorders, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Chronic Migraines, Severe Anxiety. Ask about NAD+ therapy!