Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone and posture. It is caused by brain damage that usually occurs during fetal development or in newborns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CP is the most common motor disability in childhood.
There is more research needed to specifically look at the effects of medical marijuana on Cerebral Palsy patients. However, there are many studies that have found medical marijuana to be effective in treating many of the symptoms that CP patients experience.
Some Cerebral palsy symptoms include:
- Spasticity
- Dystonia
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- Ataxia
Continue reading to learn how medical cannabis may help the symptoms of this condition.
Spasticity
CP patients who have spasticity experience jerky movements, muscle tightness and joint stiffness. A double-blind study found that patients with spasticity benefited from taking medical cannabis. Spasticity was significantly reduced for patients taking 10mg of THC.
In addition, one pilot study observed pediatric patients with moderate to severe complex motor disorders who took medical marijuana for 5 months. They found that medical cannabis significantly improved spasticity and dystonia, as well as sleep difficulties and pain for these patients.
Seizures
It is common for children with Cerebral Palsy to experience seizures. Several studies have found that medical cannabis may be an effective treatment for patients suffering from seizures. In one clinical trial, patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy taking an oral formulation of cannabidiol (CBD) found a reduction in seizures. Moreover, two patients became fully seizure-free.
Insomnia
Muscle spasms and pain are commonly experienced by CP patients. These symptoms are disruptive and often make falling asleep difficult. Some research suggests that medical marijuana can improve sleep and reduce sleep disturbance. A 2019 study measured how cannabis affected sleep in 409 people with insomnia. Using an app, participants reported ratings of self-perceived insomnia before and after cannabis use. The study concluded that cannabis was associated with a significant improvement in self-perceived insomnia.
Often, sleep is improved by medical marijuana’s other benefits, such as reducing pain and spasticity. Patients report sleeping longer with less disturbances while using medical marijuana.
Does Cerebral Palsy Qualify for Medical Marijuana in Texas?
Yes, Cerebral Palsy is an eligible condition for medical cannabis in Texas. To quickly review your eligibility at no cost, fill out the Schedule a Free Consultation form below. Once approved, you will be scheduled for a virtual appointment with a registered physician. After your appointment, contact our friendly dispensary team and they will schedule you for a pick-up at one of our seven locations across Texas, or arrange a delivery right to your home.
Plus, take advantage of our first-time patient discount and get 20% off your first order and buy one, get one 50% off your second order. Click the button below to get started.
