Ketamine for Migraines
For chronic, refractory, and intractable migraine.
When triptans, CGRP inhibitors, and Botox have plateaued, IV ketamine offers a different mechanism, and a real reduction in headache frequency and severity for many patients.
A different mechanism for refractory migraine.
Chronic and intractable migraine often involve central sensitization, the trigeminal nerve and brainstem pain pathways become hyperreactive, and standard abortive medications stop working. NMDA receptor activity is a major driver of that sensitization.
IV ketamine is a potent NMDA antagonist. Multiple inpatient and outpatient series, including a published Jefferson Headache Center protocol, have shown reductions in headache intensity for patients with refractory chronic migraine. Magnesium, a key co-treatment, is itself a natural NMDA modulator and has independent evidence for migraine prophylaxis.
How IV ketamine works for migraine.
IV ketamine is nearly 100% bioavailable to the brain, the gold-standard route, with the lowest effective dose and the most consistent therapeutic response. For migraine, IV magnesium is a key co-treatment delivered alongside the infusion.
NMDA antagonism
Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors involved in central sensitization, the process that turns episodic migraine into chronic, daily headache.
Resets pain pathways
Repeated sub-anesthetic infusions can downregulate the hyperexcitable trigeminovascular system, reducing baseline headache frequency for weeks to months.
Magnesium synergy
IV magnesium is a co-factor that improves response. Magnesium deficiency is associated with migraine, and IV bolus is far more effective than oral repletion.
Avoids opioid escalation
For refractory patients, ketamine provides relief without the rebound headache, dependence, and medication-overuse risk of opioid and triptan loops.
The published research on ketamine for migraine.
Sub-Anesthetic Ketamine Infusion in the Treatment of Refractory Chronic Migraine
Outpatient IV ketamine produced significant reductions in headache intensity and frequency in refractory chronic migraine patients.
View studyContinuous IV Ketamine for Treatment of Refractory Chronic Migraine
Jefferson Headache Center protocol, continuous IV ketamine reduced headache severity in patients who had failed multiple preventive therapies.
View studyWhy All Migraine Patients Should Be Treated With Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency is common in migraine. IV repletion has measurable abortive and preventive effects.
View studyThe Pacific Northwest’s most experienced ketamine clinic.
Over 50,000 infusions delivered
Family-run since 2017, more IV ketamine experience than any other clinic in Washington State.
Three Washington locations
Seattle (First Hill), Bellevue (Eastside flagship), and Tacoma (South Sound). Patients can switch between clinics between sessions.
Whole-body continuum of care
Through our partnership with Northwest Healing & Wellness, Spravato, KAP, IV vitamin therapy, medication management, and supplements under one care plan.
ASKP3 & LegitScript certified
Recognized as a Seattle Met Top Doctors practice. Vetted by the national ketamine clinical standards body.
Trauma-informed, integration-ready
Our staff is trained in trauma-informed care, and KAP integration is available throughout your series.
Most patients start within a week
No referral required for adults. 30-minute intake call, $25 medical consult, then your first infusion.
Four pathways. The ones we recommend for migraines.
For migraines, we typically recommend one of two pathways depending on pain severity. For magnesium-responsive or wellness-leaning migraine, the Reset + Recovery Pathway pairs IV ketamine with glutathione and magnesium bisglycinate. For severe, daily, or post-traumatic migraine, the Pain Modulation Pathway uses a higher-dose, longer-duration infusion protocol.
See all Healing Pathways →
Mind & Mood Pathway
Six IV ketamine sessions paired with mood-supportive nutrient infusions, medication management consults, and three progress calls.
Nervous System Calm Pathway
Six IV ketamine sessions paired with KAP integration, B12 + hydration support, and the Emotion Balance supplement protocol.
Pain Modulation Pathway
Higher-dose, longer-duration IV ketamine series tailored for chronic pain, paired with IV hydration and our Signature Blend support infusions.
Reset + Recovery Pathway
Six IV ketamine sessions paired with glutathione, magnesium bisglycinate, signature blend, and hydration infusions.
Talk to one of our nurse practitioners about migraines.
A 30-minute intake call, no pressure, no waitlist. We will reach out right away to confirm candidacy and walk through pathway options.
Common questions about migraines treatment.
How many infusions before migraine frequency drops?
Most migraine patients receive four to six infusions over two to three weeks. Many report reduced headache intensity within the first one to two sessions and a reset of baseline frequency by the end of the series. Maintenance varies, some patients return every six to twelve weeks, others extend much longer.
Can I keep my CGRP, Botox, or triptan regimen during treatment?
Yes. Ketamine layers on top of your existing migraine regimen. We do not ask you to stop CGRP inhibitors, Botox, beta-blockers, or triptans during your series. Our medical team reviews everything during intake.
Does ketamine work for cluster headaches and post-concussive headache?
There is growing evidence for both. Cluster headache responses tend to be more variable than chronic migraine. Post-concussive and post-traumatic headache often respond well, particularly when paired with the Pain Modulation Pathway.
Will an infusion trigger a migraine?
Rarely. Ketamine itself does not provoke migraine in most patients. We dose magnesium and anti-nausea medication as standard, and you recline in a dark, quiet, private room throughout, conditions most migraine patients find soothing.
Talk to a nurse practitioner, no pressure, no waitlist.
A 30-minute intake call confirms whether IV ketamine, Spravato, or another pathway is the right fit for your migraines. Most patients begin treatment within a week.
(206) 309-2299