Ketamine hydrochloride 4 mg in 10 ml 5% dextrose H2O was administered epidurally to 7 patients suffering from intractable pain in the back, lower abdomen and legs. Pain relief was obtained in all cases. The duration of action varied from 1/2-6 h. No adverse side-effects were noted and no detectable neurological damage resulted. Intraspinal ketamine offers an advantage over the opiates, in that respiratory depression is unlikely to occur.