Neurological disorders are some of the most complex medical conditions that affect millions worldwide. These disorders impact the brain, spine, and nerves that connect them. Some of them are terminal, and their treatment can vary widely depending on the specific condition and its severity. Recently, medical cannabis has emerged as a potential treatment for some neurological conditions. However, while it may not be curative, medical cannabis has indeed been proven to help relieve some symptoms of these ailments. So, what ailments are these? Well, in this piece, we’ll explore common neurological disorders, their traditional treatments, and how medical cannabis helps with such disorders.
Let’s begin.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that currently affects nearly 7 million Americans age 65 and older. This disease leads to the deterioration of cognitive functions and memory and is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.
Traditional Treatments: Once diagnosed, Azhheimer’s is conventionally treated with medications like donepezil and memantine, which help manage symptoms, although they do not cure the ailment as Alzheimer’s is terminal. Most healthcare providers also recommend supportive therapies such as cognitive stimulation and lifestyle changes to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Role of Medical Cannabis: Research suggests that the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of cannabinoids might help in managing Alzheimer’s symptoms. Medical cannabis clinics offer controlled access to cannabis-based treatments that might help mitigate the progression of symptoms or alleviate some of the associated behavioral issues.
Parkinson’s Disease
Although Parkinson’s isn’t considered a terminal illness, it can still reduce a patient’s life expectancy. It is a degenerative disorder that primarily affects motor function, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Parkinson’s typically affects the older generation, but younger people are at risk if they have it in their family history.
Traditional Treatments: The primary treatment for Parkinson’s is medication, such as Levodopa, which helps replenish dopamine. For severe cases, surgical therapies like deep brain stimulation are also recommended.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.
Traditional Treatments: MS treatments focus on speeding recovery from attacks, slowing disease progression, and managing symptoms. These include corticosteroids and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).
Role of Medical Cannabis: Cannabis has been shown to help manage pain and muscle spasticity in MS patients. Medical cannabis clinics offer tailored cannabis-based therapies that can be part of a broader MS treatment regimen.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy encompasses a spectrum of brain disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. These seizures are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain that can affect how a person appears or acts for a short time.
Traditional Treatments: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the mainstay of epilepsy treatment, designed to prevent seizures. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Role of Medical Cannabis: Cannabidiol (CBD), a component of cannabis, has been approved in several countries as a treatment for certain types of epilepsy. Cannabis dispensers are great, but only medical cannabis clinics can provide professional intel and access to CBD products that have been found to reduce the frequency of seizures in some patients.
Stroke
Strokes could be ischemic (caused by a blocked artery or vein) or hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding). 87% of strokes occur when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Strokes, regardless of the type, are medical emergencies because when they occur, the brain cells begin to die in minutes.
Traditional Treatments: Immediate treatment for strokes includes medications like clot-busters and surgeries to repair any damage. Rehabilitation programs are crucial for recovery.
For strokes, the research on the role of medical cannabis is inconclusive, especially for post-stroke recovery. However, some studies suggest that its neuroprotective properties may help improve outcomes after a stroke.
Conclusion
To wrap up our discussion on common neurological disorders and their treatments, it’s evident that tackling these conditions demands a blend of traditional wisdom and fresh perspectives. Dealing with complex diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and stroke calls for personalized and adaptive treatment plans, which medical cannabis clinics offer. These clinics are more than just alternative options; they are innovative solutions that help patients relieve their symptoms and improve their quality of life. So, by embracing both proven and pioneering solutions, we are paving the way toward better health outcomes for those affected by neurological disorders.