Cannabis use amongst individuals with CNS neuroinflammatory diseases
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Patients with rare central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory diseases often endure heightened levels of pain unique to their conditions. Despite the availability of symptomatic treatments, many individuals with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and transverse myelitis (TM) experience only partial relief with these therapies. The use of medicinal cannabis is widespread amongst patients with central nervous system neuroinflammatory disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). While extensive research has been published on cannabis use in the MS community, this topic has not been explored in the rarer neuroinflammatory conditions. Neurologists’ clinical observations coupled with insights from patient advocacy groups and a dearth of published information have led to a range of usage patterns, dosing, reported adverse events, and motivations among these patient populations. This cross-sectional study sought to begin to bridge these gaps through a comprehensive survey. By employing an electronic census design using a REDcap software, participants with rare neuroinflammatory disease belonging to social media advocacy groups were invited to participate via email-based invitation. This study aims to elucidate the frequency, mode, and dosing of cannabis use; symptom targets; perceived efficacy; and adverse effects. With this data, the roles of healthcare providers in cannabis use, reasons for non-use or discontinuation, and the relationship between recreational and medicinal use will be explored. In summary, our findings show that out of 117 respondents, 57.3% of the population turns to cannabis for symptom relief. Of those that use cannabis, three of the most common symptoms being targeted included: neuropathic pain, insomnia and muscle spasticity. The most common methods of cannabis consumption were through ingestion (ex.edibles), inhalation, and or vaporization. Respondents frequently reported daily consumption and that it was a very effective outlet for pain management, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances. Symptoms with little relief from cannabis included the following: tremor, overactive bladder, sexual dysfunction, migraines/headaches, eye pain and nausea. Survey respondents also reported that while some feel comfortable discussing cannabis use with physicians, others were not comfortable due to the belief that their physician is unlikely to have helpful knowledge or experience with cannabis use. With the rising popularity of cannabis use for symptomatic relief in neuroinflammatory conditions, these findings offer guidance to physicians and patients hoping to better understand this topic.
Description
2024