Check out the timestamps below to help you navigate through the many topics we discussed.
On This Episode:
Today, we dive into the latest research on ketamine's therapeutic potential, including its role in treating ischemic stroke, postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), and PTSD. You'll hear how scientists are studying its effects on brain regions like the hippocampus and amygdala, as well as its impact on neuroinflammation, fear memory, and neurogenesis.
We'll also explore ketamine’s use in anesthesia, its interactions with drugs like oral morphine, and how it's monitored using tools like EEG. From molecular techniques like RT-qPCR and Western blotting to real-world applications—this episode breaks down the science driving ketamine's future in medicine.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🧠 Ketamine’s impact on brain function, cognition, and EEG readings
🧬 NMDA receptors, BDNF, cytokines & other molecular targets
📉 How ketamine may raise delirium risk in cognitively impaired patients
🧪 In vitro studies on ketamine’s anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential
📊 Why EEG interpretation—not just BIS numbers—matters for patient safety
Will you be among the Congress attendees tackling some of today's most urgent challenges in nurse anesthesiology?
Join nurse innovator and Hackathon host Rebecca Love, RN, MSN, FIEL, along with former AANA president and Beyond the Mask podcast host Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, and 14 expert CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist mentors for an exclusive opportunity to collaborate, compete, and create real-world solutions.
This team-based, high-energy event is free to attend — but space is limited. Only 112 seats are available. Save your seat at the AANA Hackathon.
Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists!
Join Sharon this November 14–16, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Walt Disney World Village, Florida, for the Frank Moya Continuing Education Program’s annual conference. She’ll be delivering four insightful talks as part of the guest faculty lineup.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and recharge—with some Disney magic on the side!
Click here for more details and to register
🎗 Beyond the Mask Podcast is honored to once again sponsor a team for the HALOS Memorial Walk on August 2nd. HALOS is a nonprofit offering hope and healing to families who’ve lost a child, including Sharon when she lost her granddaughter, Emma. This powerful organization is run by parents who truly understand. To join our team or donate, visit the support page. 💛
Important Links:
"Balancing its powerful benefits with these potential complexities requires continuous learning by our anesthesia providers."
- Lynn & Garry
References
Bai, X., Yan, Y., Canfield, S., Muravyeva, M. Y., Kikuchi, C., Zaja, I., Corbett, J. A., & Bosnjak, Z. J. (2013). Ketamine Enhances Human Neural Stem Cell Proliferation and Induces Neuronal Apoptosis via Reactive Oxygen Species–Mediated Mitochondrial Pathway. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 116(4), 869–880. https://doi.org/10.1213/ANE.0b013e3182860fc9
Barreto Chang, O. L., Kreuzer, M., Morgen, D. F., Possin, K. L., & García, P. S. (2022). Ketamine-Associated Intraoperative Electroencephalographic Signatures of Elderly Patients With and Without Preoperative Cognitive Impairment. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 135(4), 683–692. https://doi.org/10.1213/ANE.0000000000005875
Bonhomme, V. L. (2025). The Old Drug Ketamine Keeps on Surprising Us. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 140(6), 1273–1275. https://doi.org/10.1213/ANE.0000000000007256
Cho, J. S., Kim, N. Y., Shim, J.-K., Jun, J. H., Lee, S., & Kwak, Y.-L. (2021). The immunomodulatory effect of ketamine in colorectal cancer surgery: a randomized-controlled trial. Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, 68(5), 683–692. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-021-01925-3
Lohela, T. J., Poikola, S., Backmansson, D., Lapatto-Reiniluoto, O., Backman, J. T., Olkkola, K. T., & Lilius, T. O. (2024). Influence of Intravenous S-Ketamine on the Pharmacokinetics of Oral Morphine in Healthy Volunteers. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 138(3), 598–606. https://doi.org/10.1213/ANE.0000000000006640
Mandal, G., Kirkpatrick, M., Alboni, S., Mariani, N., Pariante, C. M., & Borsini, A. (2024). Ketamine Prevents Inflammation-Induced Reduction of Human Hippocampal Neurogenesis via Inhibiting the Production of Neurotoxic Metabolites of the Kynurenine Pathway. The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 27(10), 1-. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyae041
Shiroma, P. R., Velit-Salazar, M. R., & Vorobyov, Y. (2022). A Systematic Review of Neurocognitive Effects of Subanesthetic Doses of Intravenous Ketamine in Major Depressive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Healthy Population. Clinical Drug Investigation, 42(7), 549–566. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40261-022-01169-z
Napoleone, G., van Heusden, K., Cooke, E., West, N., Görges, M., Dumont, G. A., Ansermino, J. M., & Merchant, R. N. (2021). The Effect of Low-Dose Intraoperative Ketamine on Closed-Loop-Controlled General Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Equivalence Trial. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 133(5), 1215–1224. https://doi.org/10.1213/ANE.0000000000005372
Ostović, H., Šimac, B., Pražetina, M., Bradić, N., & Peršec, J. (2025). The Effect of Intravenous Lidocaine, Ketamine, and Lidocaine–Ketamine Combination in Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Anesthesia and Analgesia, 140(1), 67–76. https://doi.org/10.1213/ANE.0000000000006555
Xu, H., Li, X., & Han, L. (2024). Role and mechanism of esketamine in improving postoperative cognitive dysfunction in aged mice through the TLR4/MyD88/p38 MAPK pathway. The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, 40(1), 63–73. https://doi.org/10.1002/kjm2.12778
