When it comes to multiple sclerosis, medical marijuana offers a number of benefits in terms of symptom relief. Today we’re going to talk a little bit about those benefits and how medical cannabis may be an option for you if you are an MS patient.
Multiple Sclerosis: Medical Marijuana Aids in Symptom Relief
There are three different classifications of multiple sclerosis:
RRMS or Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
RRMS accounts for around 85% of initial MS diagnoses and describes a type of MS that is characterized by relapses where new symptoms appear and periods of time where those symptoms “remit”. This is the most common type of MS.
Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
SSPS is a type of MS where patients experience a worsening of symptoms over time without the relapses or remissions seen in RRMS. Secondary progressive MS is so named because it develops after relapsing-remitting M.S.
Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
PPMS is a less common type of multiple sclerosis and is seen in only 10-15% of M.S. patients. PPMS is a type of MS where patients experience worsening symptoms over time. This type of MS is NOT preceded by relapsing and remitting MS. Many used to believe that PPMS was a life-ending disease, but with current medical discoveries and research and with early intervention, patients with PPMS are living longer and experiencing better symptom relief.
Treating Multiple Sclerosis
There are various treatment approaches to multiple sclerosis, these focus on slowing disease progression, subduing the body’s immune response, and relieving symptoms.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
Some of the more frequently seen symptoms in MS include:
- Spasticity
- Pain
- Weakness
- Numbness
- A sensation of electric shock
- Pins and needles
- Sensations of pins and needles
- Cognitive clouding
- Loss of balance
- Depression
- Altered sense of reality
Some of these symptoms can be eased with over-the-counter solutions or prescription medications, but unfortunately, not all patients have been lucky enough to find a solution for symptom control or relief.
Because of our unique genetic makeup, different people react differently to disease processes and medications. This means that just because a medication has worked for one patient with the same type of disease process as you, it does not mean that it will be equally as helpful for your symptoms. This is why we continue to research complex diseases like this.
One type of research that has been ongoing is the use of medical marijuana to relieve symptoms associated with complex diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Research into Medical Marijuana Use
Due to its precarious position – being legal in certain states yet still being classified as a controlled substance by the federal government, there isn’t as much research into medical cannabis use for symptom relief as there could be. Despite that, however, there have been some important findings including the following:
- The stiffness and spasticity that many multiple sclerosis patients feel have shown to improve with medical marijuana treatment.
- Many MS patients experience insomnia and medical cannabis has been shown to be exceptionally beneficial in relieving insomnia.
- Cannabinoids have been reported as being particularly helpful in relieving pain, an unfortunate symptom that many MS patients struggle with.
- Medical cannabis also helps to relieve anxiety, a common struggle for patients with multiple sclerosis as a result of physical symptoms as well as worries for the future of their health and family.
- Cannabis has also been used as an appetite stimulant which can be beneficial for patients who are experiencing nausea and appetite loss as a result of the multiple sclerosis disease process and as a result of some medication side effects.
Can Medical Cannabis Help With Your Symptoms?
Are you wondering whether medical cannabis could help with your symptoms? If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be a great candidate for medical cannabis treatment:
- Muscle spasticity
- Pain
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Stiffness of joints and muscles
- Anxiety
- Appetite loss
Do You Suffer From Symptoms Associated with Multiple Sclerosis? Medical Marijuana May Be Able to Help
If you are currently struggling with symptoms of multiple sclerosis and have been unable to find relief, medical marijuana may be the symptom relief that you’re looking for. To discuss the potential benefits of medical cannabis for you, use our easy online appointment tool to make an appointment with Dr. Tirmal at a time that’s convenient for you!