The influence of medicinal cannabis on kids with Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation that occurs while the child’s brain is under development. It affects primarily body movement and muscle coordination. Recently it’s been suggested that treatment with medicinal cannabis might help kids with cerebral palsy.
A recent ongoing research, taking place in the Wolfson medical centre next to Tel Aviv, is being led by Dr. Luba Blumkin in cooperation with the medicinal cannabis company Tikun-olam. The research is studying the influence of medicinal cannabis on kids with Cerebral Palsy. The research group, 40 kids between the ages of of 17 and 1 year, was divided to two different groups: One is using 1:6 CBD-THC ratio Avidekel oil, and the other is using 1:20 CBD-THC ratio Avidekel oil.
Research mid findings
The mid-findings of the research show interesting results. The cannabis oil reduced motor disorders such as muscle stiffness and unwanted movements, but also improved the patients’ sleep quality and bowel movements. The first two month were dedicated to discovering and understanding the exact condition and situation of each of the participants. At that point, a five month medicinal cannabis treatment started. The cannabis oil was prescribed for three times a day orally. The participants kept using the same medications they took before the research as well and checked in for assessment and observation on a monthly basis.
The most significant and statistically distinct change in the patients’ condition was in their motor functionality. Additionally, there was a decrease in pain and symptoms such as constipation and an improvement in sleep quality. Nevertheless, it took time for the effects of the cannabis oil to become noticeable. The exact distinction between the different effects of the two oils is yet to be defined.
According to the research, treatment with medicinal cannabis is beneficial, safe and free of side-effects, but it cannot be used as a single treatment. The next phase will aim to understand the best and most effective way in which patients should consume the medicinal cannabis. Furthermore, the effectiveness of long term treatment still need to be studied in depth.