Keywords
Fibromyalgia
Ketamine
Lidocaine
Systemic Desensitization
How to Cite
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Its pathophysiology is complex, with central sensitization playing a key role where there is dysregulation of pain processing. While standard treatments include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions, a subset of patients remain refractory to conventional management. Systemic desensitization which modulates central pain pathways may reduce neuronal hyperexcitability and improve pain and function.
This case report describes a 43-year-old female with a history of fibromyalgia unresponsive to conventional therapy, was successfully managed with systemic desensitization using intravenous lidocaine and ketamine. The protocol was repeated every day over a period of one week. The combination appears to target central sensitization mechanisms synergistically, representing a promising therapy in complex pain syndromes.
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