Neurological

Neurological disorders. Varied, potentially devastating, and hard to group into one easy-to-digest category. They are essentially diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system conditions and include epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, ALS, Bell's palsy, and a huge range of separate neuromuscular disorders. 

Although there is limited research on cannabinoid treatment for dementia, emerging studies are indicating medical cannabis significantly improved a variety of dementia’s neuropsychiatric symptoms. Dementia is characterised by a progressive decline of brain function that initially affects cognition, but some patients become unpredictable and increasingly restless as their condition deteriorates. Cannabinoids potentially can ease anxiety, frustration, and agitation associated with dementia.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition in which a person experiences and perceives the world differently than a neurotypical person. Light, sound, movement, and other sensory stimuli trigger intense mental and emotional responses for those with autism. An increasing number of patients with autism are showing interest in cannabidiol (CBD) to manage autism symptoms. 

When applied as part of a tailored and managed treatment plan, medical cannabis has been shown to improve the overall control of epileptic seizures. In fact, it is the only non-pharmaceutical treatment option that has been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England for two exceedingly rare forms of epilepsy.

The incidence of cluster headaches in the UK, and in the world generally, is quite low. Roughly 27,000 people in the UK suffer from cluster headaches, with a majority experiencing episodic cluster headaches. Looking past the incidence, cluster headaches can be intimidating and traumatic for anyone.  

Typically administered to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, or to relieve pain and improve sleep, evidence suggests medical cannabis, and in particular CBD oil, could also potentially aid 10 million people around the world living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Every single hour, two people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), the world’s fastest growing neurological condition that currently has no cure. With an estimated 8.5 million people facing this incurable diagnosis across the world, increasing numbers of Parkinson’s patients are turning to medicinal cannabis to help potentially manage tremors and rigidity, relieve the symptoms of anxiety that can go hand in hand with the diagnosis, and improve their sleep quality.

Medical cannabis is not a cure for autism. However, there is growing evidence that suggests THC, and medical cannabis more generally, may help in managing some symptoms associated with autism when administered in conjunction with other therapies and interventions.

Many patients report that cannabidiol (CBD) is effective at promoting relaxation and sleep, and emerging research studies are starting to show data that backs up this anecdotal evidence. CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis plants, and it’s widely known for its calming effects. It has been shown to interact with the serotonin system, as well as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), both of which are responsible for regulating relaxation and sleep.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is believed to arise from a complex interplay of genetics, brain structure, and function. While individuals with ADHD often demonstrate high intelligence and creativity, they may encounter challenges in information processing, sustaining attention, and regulating impulsive behaviour.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that affects cognition, perception, attention, and impulsivity. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurological disorders. Although pharmaceutical medications are often prescribed to manage ADHD symptoms and behavioural therapy helps patients develop coping strategies, many are seeking alternative treatments.

There is currently no cure for dementia, but a combination of medication, physical therapy, mental stimulation, and lifestyle changes have been shown to help slow the progression of dementia and help to manage the symptoms effectively. One potential complementary treatment option that has shown promise in recent research is CBD, or cannabidiol.

A rapidly growing body of research studies emphasises the safety and effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) in alleviating symptoms associated with neurological conditions. CBD not only offers general benefits for overall wellness and improved sleep, but it also possesses specific properties that target the symptoms of a wide range of neurological disorders. Consequently, individuals with neurological disorders are increasingly interested in exploring how CBD can enhance their overall health and well-being.

While there are many causes that can lead to the development of glaucoma, and diagnosis is never straightforward, it involves damage to the optic nerve, with most cases linked to high pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure). This is usually caused by a fluid build-up that increases pressure within the eye coupled with inflammation, which can damage the optic nerve.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the 113 cannabinoids so far isolated from cannabis. Whereas tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is psychoactive, CBD is totally non-intoxicating – with studies showing both these two big names in the cannabinoid sphere offering possible medicinal value.

MS is a degenerative, inflammation-based condition that attacks the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. In the simplest of terms, it disrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and can lead to issues with movement, sensation, and cognition.

The medicinal cannabis landscape is shifting in the United Kingdom, and with this shift comes increased options for people suffering from multiple sclerosis. MS, unfortunately, currently has no cure. And as the symptoms are so wide-ranging, the treatment options are focused on managing the different symptoms and attempting to slow down or stop further possible damage. There truly is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to treating MS. Research into both THC and CBD has shown promise when it comes to the reduction of symptoms related to MS.

While cannabis is still classed as a Class B controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, in November 2018, the laws surrounding medicinal cannabis shifted in the UK. After decades of lobbying by patient advocacy organisations, doctors, and scientists, medicinal cannabis was finally made available on prescription for patients suffering from certain conditions, with multiple sclerosis (MS) making it on the list.