Lidocaine Infusions: New Interest in Older Treatment

I've been going through a sample of posts that we have shared since 2017, to find #treatments that our community have not spoken of much in the recent years.

#lidocaine is one of the best treatments that has been somehow lost along the way. Our co founder, Louise Carbonneu, had a great run of about 3 or 4 years before the government removed it from our Ontariohealth insurance plan (OHIP).

I hope to have her post her Lidocaine protocol here for anyone that requests it.

Lori

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Lidocaine infusions are increasingly utilized for treatment-resistant chronic neuropathic conditions.

For #Arachwarriors, this treatment targets the localized neuro-inflammation and aberrant nerve firing that drives debilitating pain.

Mechanism of Action: Lidocaine blocks sodium channels to reduce nociceptor sensitization and hyperexcitability. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in central sensitization.

Success Rates: In broad chronic pain studies, approximately 41% to 65% of patients show significant pain relief. Positive responses to an initial infusion are often predictive of long-term relief with subsequent treatments.

Pain Reduction: On average, patients can experience about 61% pain relief, which may last for roughly 19 days per infusion.

Opioid Sparing Effect:

Evidence suggests that lidocaine infusions can significantly decrease the need for oral analgesics, including opioids and tramadol, in selected patients.

Safety and Tolerability

Common Side Effects: These are typically mild and transient, including light-headedness, dizziness, perioral tingling, and nausea.

Hospital Monitoring: Intravenous (IV) administration generally requires in-hospital monitoring due to potential cardiovascular risks, though some facilities allow it on general floors with specific protocols.