Multiple Sclerosis
What Is Multiple Sclerosis And How Medical Marijuana Can Help
Do any of your family members or acquaintances suffering from autoimmune issues? Are they having numbness, persistent weakness in their body, muscles, and joints? Are they feeling electric-shock-like sensations while moving their neck, or having tremors? It may be the signs of Multiple Sclerosis or MS. There are medicines available that help treat MS and it’s symptoms. Many MS patients are being recommended by their neurologists to try medical marijuana because in some cases it can significantly reduce the symptoms associated with MS.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis or MS is an autoimmune disorder. According to Mayo Clinic, in MS the immune system eats up the protective nerves of the human brain and spinal cord which can cause the nerves to be permanently damaged. With MS, people may lose the ability to walk or move independently. This condition does not have any quick solutions or cures but long term treatments can help patients increase the length and quality of their life. Medical marijuana can help patients with MS due to its variety of chemical components and their ability to stimulate active nerves to ease muscle spasms, as well as help with sleep problems.
The Signs of Multiple Sclerosis
There are many signs, but the prominent ones for MS in a patient are:
vision problems
tingling with numbness
pain and muscle spasms
fatigue and weakness
bladder problems
sexual dysfunction
cognitive problems, as well as breathing issues
These symptoms can even lead to paralysis. Many consider that CIS or Clinically Isolated Syndrome (Heidi Moawad, 2021) is not a prominent sign for Multiple Sclerosis, but it can certainly be a warning sign that an individual may have MS.
Symptoms of CIS for Multiple Sclerosis
The symptoms of CIS for Multiple Sclerosis are as follows:
Optic Neuritis or eye pain and other vision issues
Lhermitte's sign or the shock feeling
Transverse myelitis, which causes muscle numbness and weakness
Other than these issues, muscle spasms are common for MS patients.
Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis
Studies show that women are more likely to become affected by Multiple Sclerosis than men. It may be linked with both genetic (Lillian Cruz-Orengo, 2014) and environmental factors.
Prior to treatment doctors perform a variety of tests such as:
Blood tests
Spinal Tap
MRI
Evoked potential tests
With the deterioration caused by the disease, testing may be difficult. In those cases, doctors or researchers may test spinal fluid and check additional imaging to better understand the patients condition.
Treatment measures begin with corticosteroids and gradually some more improvised medications are tried to deal with the issues. The medications are as followed:
Oral and intravenous methylprednisolone that may reduce nerve inflammation
Plasmapheresis or plasma exchange
Interferon beta medications
Glatiramer Acetate, which helps to block immune systems attack on myelin
Fingolimod to prevent the relapse rate
Dimethyl Fumarate
Teriflunomide
Mayzent (Siponimod)
Cladribine
Ocrelizumab
Natalizumab is given to prevent the movement of damaging immune cells
Alemtuzumab for targeting proteins on the surface of immune cells
Other treatment measures are associated more with physical therapy, muscle relaxant medications to release muscle spasms, and reduce fatigue.
How Medical Marijuana Can Help with Multiple Sclerosis
Cannabis Sativa, a medical marijuana plant, has many of chemical components that can help alleviate the symptoms or reduce the threats posed by MS. Muscle spasms can be reduced and movement can become easier with the support of medical marijuana. Medical cannabis can also help greatly with improving a patients sleep. Studies show that sleep is integral in helping a persons body heal, improving overall mood, and quality of life.
Medical marijuana can offer support in other ways as well:
Easing bladder symptoms
Fixing cognitive impairment caused by Multiple Sclerosis (Michelle Cameron, 2020)
Help muscle control
Relieve pain
Boost energy
Reduce depression
Prevent dementia or similar conditions among patients
Prominent Side effects
There are certain side effects of medical marijuana for treating Multiple Sclerosis. Which are similar to the side effects experienced by any user whether or not they have MS. Below are some side effects that can be caused by marijuana:
Paranoia or confusion
Nausea and vomiting
Dry mouth
Dry eyes
Red eyes
Sedation
Increased hunger
Headache
Raised heart rate
Combining THC and CBD can be an effective treatment, as psychoactive properties of THC may help.
Medical marijuana can be consumed in the following ways:
Dry flowers (Cannabis)
Edible candies, drinks, cookies
Vape
Capsules
Concentrates
Oils
Using the essential oil can also help reduce joint pain in medical marijuana patients.
Where does Cannabis Sativa come from?
Cannabis Sativa, the main medical marijuana strain is originally from in South Asia, especially in India and China. Many hybridized substances can benefit the users of medical cannabis. Historically the component was used in ancient times. It was considered a drug in ancient Arabian lands where it was used to treat various medical conditions. In recent times, it is also available in Northern America. (https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/14497) Phytocannabinoids predominantly produced in cannabis, where female flowers, plants, and seeds with roots, alongside pollens can support the nutritional processes. (Christelle M Andre, 2016)
Interactions with Other Drugs
Legalized medical marijuana is available for medical use but it is ideal to purchase it from trustworthy sources. It may perfectly work with Dronabinol, Nabilone, and Nabiximols. It can prevent epilepsy and provide psychoactive effects that give the user a relaxing feeling.
I Have MS, Where Can I Get a North Carolina Medical Cannabis Card?
Once North Carolina establishes a medical cannabis program our cannabis physician at North Carolina Marijuana Doctors will be standing by to evaluate medical conditions and write medical marijuana certificates to patients.
We even offer virtual appointments that can take place entirely online so that a patient does not have to leave the comfort of their home to receive the natural and effective treatment of medical marijuana.
After a patient is certified for medical marijuana in North Carolina they can get their medical marijuana card and visit medical marijuana dispensaries to purchase medicinal marijuana.
North Carolina Marijuana Doctors offers a money-back guarantee if a patient is not certified during their appointment with our marijuana providers.
Our sister company has the highest approval rating when it comes to helping patients receive their medical cannabis card.
To get the process started so you can get your medical marijuana card in North Carolina just schedule your online appointment by click the green button below.
References
Christelle M Andre, J.-F. H. (2016, February 4). https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2016.00019/full. Retrieved from www.frontiersin.org: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2016.00019/full
Heidi Moawad, M. (2021, August 12). Understanding Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). https://www.healthline.com/ , p. 1.
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/14497. (n.d.).
Lillian Cruz-Orengo, B. P.-R. (2014, May 8). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24812668/#&gid=article-figures&pid=figure-1-uid-0. Retrieved June 12, 2014, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24812668/: https://www.jci.org/articles/view/73408
Michelle Cameron, M. P. (2020, June 18). https://nmsscdn.azureedge.net/NationalMSSociety/media/MSNationalFiles/Professionals/Cannabis-and-Multiple-Sclerosis.pdf. Retrieved 2017, from https://nmsscdn.azureedge.net/.
