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Weed and Post-Concussion Syndrome

Weed and Post-Concussion Syndrome

Introduction

It is well known that marijuana can have a positive effect on cognitive functioning. However, what is not as well known is the fact that marijuana also has the potential to help treat post-concussion syndrome. This article will explore that treatment potential.

Keep reading to learn more.

What is Post-Concussion Syndrome and What are the Symptoms?

Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) is a disorder that can develop after a person has had one or more traumatic brain injuries. It is characterized by a combination of physical, psychological, and cognitive symptoms, which can vary in severity and duration. Commonly reported physical symptoms include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, blurry vision and sensitivity to light. Psychological symptoms may include depression, anxiety and personality changes. Cognitive difficulties such as memory problems, attention deficits and trouble concentrating are also common.

PCS typically manifests within the first seven days following injury but can occur up to several weeks later. Risk factors for PCS include older age at the time of injury, pre-existing anxiety or depressive symptoms as well as a greater number of previous concussions suffered throughout one’s lifetime. Diagnostic criteria for PCS involves ruling out other possible causes for the patient’s symptomatic presentation and determining if new symptoms have arisen since the initial injury occurred.

Post-Concussion Syndrome Treatments

Management options for those suffering from PCS range from medication-based therapies targeting specific symptom presentations to non-pharmacological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on helping patients recognize negative patterns of thinking or behavior so they can learn to modify them into healthier choices.

Pharmacotherapy may be used in addition to psychotherapies when necessary for symptom reduction in severe cases of PCS; however clinicians should carefully weigh the potential risks associated with any medications prescribed prior to initiating treatment plans.

Can Weed Treat Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Weed has been studied in clinical trials as an alternative treatment option for PCS due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to control pain related symptomatology associated with concussions. However, no definitive conclusions should be drawn from these studies until further research has been conducted due to the relatively small sample sizes used in these particular studies thus far.

Larger scale randomized controlled trials have yet to be undertaken in order to determine whether weed might indeed be effective at treating post concussive syndrome related issues or not. Therefore, it is important for concussion patients to exercise caution before using cannabis as an intervention strategy due its potential side effects, which include impaired cognition and motor coordination.

How Does Weed Interact with Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Medical cannabis has been used to treat pain and other symptoms associated with medical conditions for centuries. Its active ingredients, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pain when taken in low doses.

THC activates cannabinoid receptors that are found throughout the body, including those found in the brain. By interacting with these receptors, THC can affect memory and perception, as well as reduce anxiety and improve moods. CBD, on the other hand, has analgesic effects and works to reduce inflammation without causing psychoactive reactions in users.

To learn more about medical marijuana and the symptoms it can alleviate, contact ReThink-Rx today.