Medical Cannabis for Neurological Conditions
What are neuroglial conditions?
Neurological disabilities encompass various disorders, including epilepsy, learning disabilities, neuromuscular disorders, autism, ADD, brain tumors, and cerebral palsy. Some of these conditions are congenital, appearing before birth.
In the UK, one in six people lives with a neurological condition, which can be categorised as follows:
- Sudden onset: Stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, meningitis, brain cancer
- Intermittent: Epilepsy, migraines, cluster headaches
- Progressive: Parkinson’s disease, dementia, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
Treatment: Research and clinical trials suggest medical cannabis may relieve multiple sclerosis symptoms. Cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) have shown potential in managing various MS-related symptoms, including:
- Pain Relief: Medical cannabis has analgesic properties that target both nociceptive pain (from damaged tissue) and neuropathic pain (from nerve damage), reducing chronic pain in MS patients.
- Muscle Spasticity Control: Cannabis can relax muscles, reducing spasms and stiffness, which improves mobility and provides relief.
- Sleep Improvement: With its sedative effects, medical cannabis can enhance sleep quality and duration for those with MS.
- Mood Enhancement: MS can lead to anxiety and depression; cannabis has been shown to promote relaxation and improve mood.
About Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS is a lifelong condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, potentially causing serious disabilities. Symptoms can include issues with vision, limb movement, sensation, or balance. Although the exact cause is unknown, MS is believed to result from complex genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms may vary based on MS type, either appearing in phases or progressing over time. Typically diagnosed in people in their 20s-40s, MS is about 2-3 times more common in women, and it slightly reduces life expectancy.
Approximately two-thirds of MS patients experience pain, with an estimated 10,000 struggling with pain and spasticity where standard treatments have failed (MS Society Report, 2021). Medical cannabis may help alleviate stiffness and spasms common in MS.
For more information, visit MS Society UK or MS Trust.
Benefits of Medical Cannabis for Neurological Conditions
Neurological Conditions
Many neurological conditions are incurable and can greatly affect speech, movement, and emotions. Conventional treatments, including medications and surgery, often come with significant risks and side effects. The NHS currently prescribes cannabis-based treatments for some patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and epilepsy. Evidence suggests that these alternative treatments can enhance the quality of life for individuals with various debilitating neurological disorders.
How Can Cannabis-Based Treatments Help?
CBD’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may support brain cell health and alleviate symptoms associated with neurological disorders. Additionally, cannabis may offer neuroprotective benefits, helping to safeguard against nerve cell damage and degradation while reducing muscle stiffness, tremors, and pain. Some patients have reported improved clarity of thought, elevated mood, and decreased anxiety after using CBD.
FAQ
What is a long-term neurological condition?
A long-term neurological condition as a disease, injury, or damage to the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves) that impacts the individual and their family for life.
Can a neurological disorder be cured?
Neurological illnesses can cause symptoms like tremors, seizures, memory loss, and paralysis, significantly affecting quality of life. Fortunately, treatments such as medication, surgery, and other therapies can help manage these conditions.
What are neurological problem symptoms?
Muscles, skin sensation, and special senses (vision, taste, smell, hearing) rely on nerves to function properly. Neurological symptoms can therefore include muscle weakness, coordination issues, unusual skin sensations, and disturbances in vision, taste, smell, and hearing.
What are the most common neurological disabilities?
Some of the most common neurological conditions include epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and other dementias, strokes, migraines and other headaches, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, neurological infections, brain tumors, nervous system injuries like head trauma, and disorders caused by malnutrition.
What are neurological symptoms you shouldn’t ignore?
If you experience pain that shifts around your body or comes with symptoms like numbness or tingling, it’s essential to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Seek medical attention promptly if you have these symptoms.
What is an undiagnosed neurological condition?
“Undiagnosed” typically refers to patients who have had tests and neurological exams, but doctors cannot determine the cause of their symptoms. The term “syndrome without a name” (SWAN) is sometimes used for such conditions.
Can stress and anxiety cause neurological symptoms?
Stress is widely recognised as a risk factor for anxiety and depression, but it can also contribute to neurological disorders like headaches, migraines, and bruxism—teeth grinding or jaw clenching that occurs both awake and asleep.