Ketamine as an anesthetic in dentistry, anyone have any experience?

[gomelgo]

I have some major dentistry that is way way past due, and likely causing brain issues. I'm terrified to have it done because Ihave serious dental trauma all my life. I'm also terrified of general anesthesia because my tremors are bad enough already, and I have heard of people coming out of it worse off in terms of PD symptoms, especially tremor. Please help if you have any relevant input. Thanks in advance oh health unlocked gods and goddesses!

[india245]

is intravenous sedation an option? My daughter had that last week for dental work (she doesn’t have PD, so I can’t comment on it effects on symptom.)

[gomelgo in reply to india245]

Right, thanks. My understanding is that there are dangers in using that for PWP.

[india245 in reply to gomelgo]

do you know in what way there are dangers? It sounds like something we should all be aware of, perhaps.

[gomelgo in reply to india245]

I don't know for certain, but I have seen comments here claiming that surgery and anesthesia CAUSED their PD. I've seen that elsewhere as well, though I don't recall now where. But when I ask youtube, this was one of the first results. youtube.com/watch?v=30y0Mse...(Not working as expected?)

[JCRO in reply to gomelgo]

A GA was probably the toxic insult that pushed me over the edge into my noticeable motor symptoms (which started with a tiny intermittent tremor ring finger LHS) and my DX one year later. I’d suffered the dreaded (prodromal) significantly impaired sense of smell for 5+ years beforehand. So likely the GA was one of a number of contributory factors. But one the adjacent the DX. Subsequent GAs (unavoidable) have created breakout symptoms that have persisted. N = 1.

[gomelgo in reply to JCRO]

I am so very sorry this happened to you! And. So grateful that you spoke up about it here. It’s so important that you share your experiences. I’d bet you have prevented many from this calamity just by speaking up about it.

[TracyLaine]

I second India’s suggestion about an IV option. I just had that for a colonoscopy. Can’t remember the name of the drug, but it is approved for Parkinson’s. I am tremor dominant, and came out of the procedure no worse off!

[gomelgo in reply to TracyLaine]

Many people seem to come out ok, but there is a higher risk. Ketamine IS given through IV I believe. I posted here to specifically find others who may have tried Ketamine. Thank you.

[gomelgo in reply to gomelgo]

Also other PWP who have had major dental surgery who have suggestions for how to handle it.

[faridaro in reply to TracyLaine]

For colonoscopy sedation is usually used propofol.

[LagLag37 in reply to faridaro]

Yes, they gave me propofol and it didn't bother me all . The anesthesiologist said it helps tremors. I told him that he should repurpose it for Parkinson's and he would be rich. His comment was "I already am".

[pdpatient in reply to LagLag37]

He actually said that?? 🤔 lol

[Chastar]

I’m in UK. I had colonoscopy recently with Midolozam and Fentanyl IV sedation. It was very effective. I was very comfortable, no recollection of procedure. I just wanted to stay snuggled in my post procedure bed but they get you up and out after about 15 minutes. No problem with PD symptoms after. But I am not on any medication for it atm. Best wishes for comfortable and speedy dental work.

[JewelryGal]

I am a retired RN who was certified in Post Anesthesia Care for many years. I have given the sedation for EGDs and Colonoscopies and other Pain injection procedures. Fentanyl & Versed are usually given for those type of procedures. Propofol is also given these days by Certified Nurse Anesthetist, who have special training for even general and regional anesthesia. I would never suggest giving Ketamine for a dental procedure by a Dentist! It should only be given by a CRNA or MD/DO who is trained in sedation. It can cause hallucinations and should not given in a Dentist office. I too have PD.

[Rebtar]

Had propofol no problems.

[Ireadwidely]

I agree say no to Ketamine. You need to confirm their protocol, get your ducks in order, get it written on hard copy and review it. Knowledge is power. Should be done by a trained anesthetist or CRNA.

[gomelgo in reply to Ireadwidely]

They did not suggest ketamine. I am considering it because it has been used to help pwp with various symptoms.

[amykp]

There is some discussion about using ketamine as a TREATMENT for parkinson's, so I don't think I'd worry too much about having one dose of it for a procedure. But I second Ireadwidely--I'd want to know that there was an anesthetist present.

I had a couple of crowns done at one time, and because I also hate the dentist he suggested halcion/triazolam (one pill at home, one in the waiting room and one in the chair) and OH MY GOODNESS...I thought I was awake but I was totally relaxed and have zero recollection of any of it.

So I wonder if that would be a choice?

The only issue was I had to have my husband drive me :o)

[gomelgo in reply to amykp]

I have not heard of these. Do you have PD and do you have tremor?

[Ireadwidely in reply to amykp]

Yes I've had that done also, and also a twilight, was not diagnosed then but was definitely dealing with a health issue for ten years, then diagnosed with PD in 2023. Light tremor left hand and left leg, and a few other goodies. Good luck and a speedy healing.

[Kenekekiane]

My husband has been a dentist for 50 years and never used Ketamine or heard of it's use as a dental anesthetic.

[amykp]

I have pd plus tremor, yes. Halcion is an anti-anxiety drug kind of like Valium. You don’t fall asleep…you just think you did

[pdpatient]

Ask if your dentist can use propofol. Anecdotally, I have had positive effect on all Parkinson's symptoms, especially tremors in my case across two colonoscopies 👍